NBA Trade Speculation: Should the Utah Jazz Trade Al Jefferson or Paul Millsap?

When the Utah Jazz shockingly traded away all-star point guard Deron Williams at the trade deadline, they also traded into a big problem.

While it is a big problem, it is not necessarily a bad problem to have. One of the players that they got back in the trade was rookie Derrick Favors.

While Favors himself is not the problem, he adds to it. The Utah Jazz now have too many players in the front court.

They can't keep as many big men as they have, and there is need in other positions. With a good possibility that the Jazz takes another post player in the upcoming draft, somebody has to go.

That person will be either Al Jefferson or Paul Millsap.

Let's take a look at who the Jazz have, and why it comes down to one of these two players.

Power Forwards and Centers the Jazz Have

Mehmet Okur: While he plays at the center position, he is much more comfortable shooting from outside. He missed most of last season with injuries and his return is still questionable. After missing the season, he may not have much trade value.

Al Jefferson: Acquired with the trade exception from Carols Boozer leaving for Chicago, Jefferson quickly became the team star during last season, especially after Williams left. He carried the team with multiple 30-point performances and established himself as the go-to guy down low.

Derrick Favors: One of only two players (Hayward) on the roster that are not going to be considered in trade talks. The Jazz are very high on him, and traded away a lot to get him. Jazz fans caught a glimpse of his future at the end of the season. His athletic dunks and developing offensive skills will be a cornerstone of the Jazz for years to come.

Paul Millsap: One of the best second-round picks in recent years, Millsap is the fan favorite and the hardest worker on the team. Who can forget his performance in the game of the year when he beat the Heat in Miami virtually by himself? His hard work and great team oriented attitude has been an asset to the team.

The Jazz also currently have Kyrylo Fesenko and Francisco Elson under contract from this season, but it is likely that neither will be back with the team next fall.

Players the Jazz may Soon Add

Enes Kanter: Assuming that Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams are off the board, if he is available when the Jazz select at No. 3, they will take him. They may not need anther post player, but Jazz General Manager Kevin O'Conner's draft philosophy has always been to take the best available player.

Ante Tomic: While it is not likely the Jazz will be able to bring him from overseas any time soon, he is worth a mention. Tomic is a 7'2" center who would give the Jazz more size and athleticism at that position. Playing in Europe, many compare him to Pau Gasol. He would be a great addition to the team.

Three Reasons Why the Jazz Must Make a Trade

The three answers here are simple.

First, there is simply not enough playing time to go around.

Unless Millsap plays the three position, there is not enough time to satisfy each of the stars, and allow enough time to develop the younger guys.

It is highly unlikely that Millsap would be able to, or would want to play as the small forward every night. He may be able to against some teams, but not others.

Second, it all comes down to money.

The Utah Jazz have the fifth highest payroll in the league and did not make the playoffs. While a good chunk of that comes off the books as Andrei Kirilenko's max contract ends, the Jazz have over $24 million committed to Mehmet Okur and Al Jefferson alone.

Coming off of a season of injuries, Okur has little trade value. That leaves Jefferson at the player to eliminate to help drop the payroll. Developing rookies and second-year players is much cheaper. The Jazz can pay a rookie, Favors, and Millsap for nearly the same amount as Jefferson.

Third, with quality players and high draft picks, players that the Jazz could get back in trades would be proven stars.

The Portland Trailblazers have shown great interest in Millsap in the past, and many teams could use a tough as nails rebounder who is willing to do whatever it takes to win.

That being said, speculate with me for a moment.

Would the Blazers be willing to give up Brandon Roy for Millsap and the third pick? They did well without him while he was injured.

Are the Pacers looking for a new home for Danny Granger? Maybe the Jazz have enough to offer.

How about teams like the Timberwolves, Hornets, Clippers and Magic? Would they be willing to part with their stars for the package that Utah can put together?

Maybe the Hawks need to shake thing up with Al Horford or Joe Johnson to be able to really compete in the Eastern Conference.

The possibilities are endless, and the Jazz are in a good position to make things happen.

Unfortunately for Jazz fans, someone will have to be traded. It will not be an easy choice, but the team will have to do whatever they can to improve.

So who will it be?

Paul Millsap or Al Jefferson?

What other options do the Jazz have?

Can this logjam of front court players coexist and all stay happy?

Who else could the Jazz pick up in a trade?

Let me know what you think.

If we come up with something good, maybe we can pass it along to Kevin O'Conner.

Salary information found on hoopshype.com

Chris Johstoneaux is a contributor to Bleacher Report that usually covers the NBA, and Major League Soccer. If you liked this article, please take a moment to leave me a comment and follow me on Twitter at @JazzRSLExaminer.