BREAK: Utah Jazz trade superstar for $30 million in cap space targets to boost playoff chances
Utah Jazz CEO Danny Ainge recently expressed a desire to “go big-game hunting” this offseason after being unable to secure franchise cornerstones in the past two years. The Jazz are well-positioned to enhance their roster, with an NBA-leading 15 first-round picks over the next seven years and around $30 million in cap space.
With the Jazz set on aggressively pursuing their next All-Star talent, let’s explore some prominent players who might become available this summer.
Zach LaVine
While the Jazz aim high for the best available All-Star this offseason, there’s no guarantee of mutual interest. Therefore, Utah needs a solid backup plan. If they can’t hit a home run, acquiring a former All-Star who hasn’t lived up to their previous performance could be a great alternative.
Chicago’s Zach LaVine, a two-time All-Star, has proven to be one of the most exciting and versatile scorers in the NBA. He also has experience playing alongside Lauri Markkanen from their four years together on the Bulls.
The Bulls are eager to offload LaVine’s contract and might be willing to accept significantly reduced value just to clear his salary, making Utah an ideal trade partner. This would provide the Jazz with a scorer to alleviate Markkanen’s scoring burden while aiding Keyonte George’s development as a floor general.
Dejounte Murray
The two-year experiment with Trae Young and Dejounte Murray has yielded disappointing results for the Hawks. Despite landing the No. 1 overall pick, there is still a chance that Atlanta might decide to break up their All-Star backcourt. If given the choice, Dejounte Murray would be a better fit for the Jazz, a team that allowed the second-most points in the NBA last season.
Murray, a former NBA All-Defensive team member, offers a solid mix of scoring and distribution, making him a strong fit alongside Keyonte George. His ability to be effective without needing the ball in his hands allows him to complement Lauri Markkanen, while his excellent defensive skills address one of Utah’s key weaknesses.
Brandon Ingram
Another capable scorer who can still provide valuable production as a rebounder and secondary distributor is Brandon Ingram. Rumored to be available via trade, Ingram would fit perfectly into Utah’s vision. With a career average of 19.4 PPG and a respectable 36.2% shooting from three-point range, he brings a strong offensive presence to the table.
What’s even more advantageous about Ingram is that, despite being only 26, he already has eight seasons of NBA experience, which can help accelerate the development of the younger Jazz players. Ingram is entering the final year of his contract, but Utah has the future cap space to accommodate a significant salary. He could be a pivotal piece in leading the team back to the playoffs.
Bradley Beal
Another All-Star scorer Utah might be able to buy low on is Bradley Beal. While Kevin Durant and Devin Booker are staying put, Phoenix might consider trading Beal to address team needs after hiring Mike Budenholzer. If this happens, Utah could be an ideal trade partner for the Suns, thanks to their abundance of tradeable draft picks and capacity to absorb Beal’s $50 million salary.
Acquiring Beal would give the Jazz a proven scorer who can provide immediate offensive firepower. His addition would not only help ease the scoring burden on Lauri Markkanen but also offer veteran leadership and experience to a young Jazz team looking to make a playoff push.
Josh Giddey
Though not an All-Star, Josh Giddey has been linked to Utah, with former Nets AGM Bobby Marks even suggesting the Jazz should pursue him this summer. While it’s uncertain if the Thunder are ready to part with the 6-foot-8 combo guard, their abundance of talent and future draft capital means OKC could potentially trade Giddey for the right price.
Giddey isn’t a knockdown shooter (33.6% 3PT in 2024), but his added length would enhance the Jazz’s starting lineup, potentially featuring:
– Keyonte George
– Collin Sexton
– Josh Giddey
– Lauri Markkanen
– Walker Kessler
Additionally, the Jazz would still have key pieces like Jordan Clarkson, Taylor Hendricks, and John Collins. Giddey would provide another young starter capable of playing at a near All-Star level. Despite a dip in his play last season, Giddey averaged 16.6 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 6.2 APG, and 1.2 stocks (steals plus blocks) per game in 2023, and he’s still just 21.
Trae Young
Trae Young might seem like an unconventional fit for Utah, especially if the Jazz envision Keyonte George as their primary floor general. However, Young’s talent is undeniable, both as a scorer and a distributor. Averaging 26 PPG and 10.4 APG over the past two seasons, Young’s caliber of player is rare, and rumors suggest the three-time All-Star might be available.
If the Hawks consider trading their franchise player, Danny Ainge shouldn’t hesitate to make a move, even if it results in an unconventional backcourt for now. Despite his defensive shortcomings, Young is one of the NBA’s top scorers and could be a true superstar under Will Hardy’s guidance.