NBA 2012: 7 Stellar Trades for Utah Jazz When Lockout Ends
In order for Utah to recover from their second losing season in 27 years, they will have to commit to revamping their roster a little bit.
After completing the season with a 39-43 record, the Jazz have to look at individual roster position productivity and specific statistical outcomes.
Utah's main goal (when the lockout ends) should be acquiring a legitimate shooting guard. There are a few names out there who seem to fit just right with the Jazz, but let's continue this conversation in the following slides. Please, read on.
7. Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons
1 of 7There are two plausible breakdowns on this swap, the difference mainly being the preference for Al Jefferson or Paul Millsap and Utah's stance on the aforementioned players.
Trade Scenario No. 1: This Trade Works!
Utah Receives:
Richard Hamilton, SG
Will Bynum, PG
Pistons' 2012 first-round pick (unprotected)
*$15,750,000 combined salary.
Detroit Receives:
Al Jefferson, C
Raja Bell, SG
Jazz's 2012 first-round pick (unprotected)
*$17,240,000 combined salary.
In this deal, the Jazz are dumping about $1.5 million in owed salaries, gaining a prolific wing scorer and backup point guard, swapping future picks to make a higher draft selection and making room for Enes Kanter and Derrick Favors to develop by moving Jefferson.
On the other hand, Detroit is gaining a franchise player who can lead their team and be a mentor to young players, such as Greg Monroe. Not to mention the fact that the Pistons currently have only ONE center under contract (Ben Wallace).
They are also acquiring a veteran shooting guard and retaining a draft pick, most likely in the range of the late-lottery to early 20s and ridding themselves of a point guard in an effort to give point guards Rodney Stuckey and Brandon Knight the playing time they need to develop.
Trade Scenario No. 2: This Trade Works!
Utah Receives:
Richard Hamilton, SG
Will Bynum, PG
Pistons' 2012 first-round pick (unprotected)
*$15,750,000 combined salary.
Detroit Receives:
Paul Millsap, PF
Mehmet Okur, C
Jazz's 2012 first-round pick (unprotected)
*$18,993,435 combined salary.
Here the Pistons would pick up a versatile forward and a veteran center who can stretch the floor. Acquiring Paul Millsap would also mean that Pistons forward Greg Monroe would be moved down to play the center position.
6. Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers
2 of 7Utah Receives:
Andre Iguodala, SG
Jodie Meeks, G
Sixers' first-round pick (unprotected)
*$14,416,043 combined salary.
Philadelphia receives:
Al Jefferson, C
C.J. Miles, SG/SF
Jazz's second-round picks
*$17,700,000 combined salary.
In this trade, Utah gains a much-needed scoring threat on the wing, Andre Iguodala. They also pick up a serviceable guard (Jodie Meeks) and an unprotected draft pick in 2012. The Jazz also shed about $3.3 million in owed salaries.
Philadelphia acquires a prime center, Jefferson, and nabs Miles to soften the blow of trading Iguodala. On top of everything, the Sixers get a handful of second-round draft selections.
5. Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers
3 of 7Utah Receives:
Danny Granger, SF
Pacers' first-round pick (unprotected)
*$12,015,904 salary.
Indiana Receives:
Paul Millsap, PF
C.J. Miles, SF/SG
Jazz's second-round picks
*$11,803,435 combined salaries.
4. Utah Jazz, Atlanta Hawks
4 of 7Utah Receives:
Josh Smith, SF/PF
Jamal Crawford, SG
*$23,200,000 combined salary.
Atlanta Receives:
Paul Millsap, PF
C.J. Miles, SF/SG
Mehmet Okur, C
*$22,693,435 combined salary.
3. Utah Jazz, San Antonio Spurs
5 of 7Utah Receives:
Tony Parker, PG
Rights to Cory Joseph, G
Spurs' first-round draft pick (protected)
*$12,500,000 approx. combined salary.
San Antonio Receives:
Devin Harris, PG
C.J. Miles, SF/SG
*$13,019,000 combined salary.
In this trade, Utah would lock in a premier point guard, Tony Parker, for the next four years. They would also pick up draftee Cory Joseph and a future protected first-round draft selection.
San Antonio rids themselves of the "bad vibe" between Parker and the franchise and replaces him with a very serviceable player in Devin Harris. To sweeten the deal, the Jazz would give up a young and talented wing scorer, C.J. Miles, to start immediately for the Spurs in front of the aging Richard Jefferson and draftee Kawhi Leonard.
2. Utah Jazz, Orlando Magic
6 of 7Utah Receives:
Dwight Howard, C
*$18,091,770 salary.
Orlando Receives:
Al Jefferson, C
Paul Millsap, PF
Warriors' first-round draft pick (Top 7 protected)
*$22,103,435 combined salary.
1. Utah Jazz, New Orleans Hornets
7 of 7Utah Receives:
Chris Paul, PG
David West, PF
*$24,647,305 combined salary.
New Orleans Receives:
Devin Harris, PG
Paul Millsap, PF
Raja Bell or CJ Miles, SG/SF
Warriors' 2012 first-round pick (top-7 protected)
Jazz's 2012 first-round pick (unprotected)
Jazz's 2012 second-round picks
*$20,662,435 combined salary.
New Orleans would jump at this trade in a heartbeat if they were placed in a situation similar to Utah's in this past season. If, in fact, Chris Paul makes it clear he will not re-sign with the team, then this swap is a win-win situation for both parties.
Utah gains two All-Star caliber players in this deal who just so happen to play the positions in which the Jazz can exploit yet another classic point guard-power forward duo.
New Orleans rids themselves of nearly $5 million in owed salaries and picks up two likely lottery picks, with second-round picks included as well. They also acquire a serviceable point guard in Devin Harris, lose almost no talent at the power forward position by snatching up Paul Millsap (in comparison to West) and also grab a talented young wing, CJ Miles, or a veteran guard, Raja Bell.
