The Jazz probably won’t do anything too drastic at this week’s trade deadline, but they’d like to “upgrade around the margins” if possible, league sources tell Tony Jones of The Athletic. Having already dealt Dante Exum and a pair of second-round picks for Jordan Clarkson, Utah no longer has as many expendable assets that could be included in a trade, but would “jump” at any opportunity to improve its roster, says Jones.
One player who could be on the block is Ed Davis. As Jones points out, things haven’t worked out for Davis in Utah so far — he’s averaged a career-worst 1.3 PPG and 3.8 RPG in 25 games (10.7 MPG). The veteran center would like to play more and the Jazz are open to moving him, according to Jones. However, if they can’t find a trade they like, the two sides figure to move forward together, since a buyout isn’t a realistic option due to the big man’s guaranteed $5MM+ salary for 2020/21.
Here’s more from Jones on the Jazz:
- Utah’s front office has at least “superficially” discussed the idea of targeting veteran forward DeMarre Carroll, who is on the trade block in San Antonio. Jones notes that there’s uncertainty about how much Carroll has left in the tank, given his down year with the Spurs.
- Sources tell The Athletic that the Jazz don’t want to move any “core” players. That group includes Mike Conley, who is unlikely to be discussed at all in trade talks this week, according to Jones.
- If the Jazz don’t end up doing anything by the trade deadline, they’d like to be active on the buyout market, Jones writes.
That 1.3PPG average hurts my eyes, even with a guy like Davis.
Bradley should be getting his minutes anyway except in certain matchups.
Jordan Clarkson and Ed Davis for Bobby Portis and DSJ
Jazz who have Conley starting is on a huge deal and not living up to expectations and is getting old. DSJ could be a good sixth man in a similar role to Clarkson but younger. Plus maybe Mitchell can help DSJ considering they are from the same draft class..
Plus you get Bobby Portis who is a young nearly 7 footer, he can play PF/C and be a good floor spacer which is something they don’t have.
Knicks get a better PG in Clarkson and get Davis who allows Mitch Robinson more minutes as a starter and he can go back to riding the bench.
This year is an outlier for Ed Davis. He was much better last year with the Nets but they wanted to get beefier, having been beaten by Embiid.
Davis should be a good cheap pickup. 30yo, well-liked by teammates.