The severity of Mike Conley‘s knee injury could have an impact on which direction the Jazz go in their various trade talks, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, who notes that a significant drop-off in Utah’s play with Conley unavailable may make the team more inclined to sell — especially if the veteran point guard ends up sidelined for multiple weeks, as was originally rumored.
For the time being, Fischer says, the Jazz appear intent on keeping forward Lauri Markkanen, who is enjoying a breakout season, and guard Jordan Clarkson, who is believed to be a better candidate for an extension than a trade. The club has also established a “high” asking price for forward Jarred Vanderbilt, Fischer adds.
That would leave Conley, swingman Malik Beasley, and center Kelly Olynyk as the most likely veteran trade candidates in Utah, according to Fischer, though he acknowledges that Olynyk is a favorite of Jazz CEO Danny Ainge.
Here’s more on the Jazz from Fischer:
- League sources tell Yahoo Sports that Utah’s interest in Hawks big man John Collins is legitimate. However, Atlanta didn’t gain any traction after inquiring about a Markkanen/Collins swap, and it seems unlikely that Collins will end up with the Jazz, Fischer writes.
- While Conley’s $22.68MM cap hit would be the best straight-up match for Collins’ $23.5MM figure, Fischer doesn’t expect the Hawks to have much interest in Conley, given that they already have two star point guards in Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. Beasley would be a more logical candidate to be included in any Jazz deal for Collins, per Fischer.
- Sources tell Fischer that the Jazz have been looking to move Rudy Gay, who is averaging career worsts so far this season in points per game (4.5), minutes per game (15.8), and field goal percentage (36.2%), among many other categories. Gay is earning $6.18MM in 2022/23 and is considered highly likely to pick up his $6.48MM player option for ’23/24, so he’ll have negative trade value.
While the Jazz have been surprisingly good and are competing hard I just don’t see Danny keeping these vets and trying to compete for a backend playoff spot and likely first round exit with guys like Wembo and Scoot at the top of the draft.
The only guy I really don’t see them moving is Markkanen. Think everyone else is on the table and they’ll sell more than people may think right now.
They’re not gonna be bad enough to get a top pick so no sense in tearing it all down.
Danny Knows what he is doing. Amazing his record is better than Minnesota. I knew he one the deal but that could be the gift that keeps on giving.
In no way does Rudy have negative trade value. He dies not have the right coach for his skill set.
As stated in the summer there are 5 teams that would take him right now if they had a spot for him.
Bulls could probably use him.
Will Hardy is using Rudy as a backup SF/PF and very occasional small ball 5. His job is to set screens, catch the ball and shoot or attack a closeout with a pass, the exact same role he had under Snyder and his last couple seasons in San Antonio. I can’t think of another role he’d be used for with any other team at this point in his career. Hopefully he’s off to a slow start and will heat up or maybe he’s 36 and age and injuries have caught up to him.
His player option gives him negative trade value because with his current production he isn’t going to get paid that in the free agent market.
Lauri thrived playing for Finland & is having a great season in Utah. He’s the #1 scoring option on both of those teams. In Atl he would be the 3rd option at best & would most likely end up being the 5th option, stuck in the corner most of the time. We’ve seen in his stints at Chi & Cle that he’s much less efficient/productive in that role. For that reason & others (he wouldn’t add much if any toughness/defense/rebounding), he wouldn’t be a great fit in Atlanta. And Utah don’t have much of anything else the Hawks would be interested in… On the flip side John would be an all-star level guy in Utah if they were able to get him. We’ve seen how dominant he can be when he’s the #1 or #2 scoring option on a team. In Utah that would be his role again & playing with a pass 1st pg like Conley in an offense that features him would sorta be the perfect situation for him. If Utah was willing to part with JVando plus Beasley or Olynyk that could be the start of a discussion but Utah is prob gonna have to work out a 3team deal to acquire John
I’m not a big Gay guy.
There are probably a few big Gay guys out there.
Let the TWolves make up for their mistake
Mike Conley and Malik Beasley for DAngelo Russell and a first round pick.
TWolves need Conley at the point who can run the ship and lead the team. Has way more experience and is better defensively. Malik Beasley comes over and plays the sixth man role and spreads the floor as a shooter which is something they really could use aswell.
Utah gets back Russell’s good size expiring contract and a first round pick which helps them in their rebuild. Another first and a bunch of available cap space. Not to mention maybe Dlo can turn it around and the Jazz can continue winning games.
TWolves would be so much better for it tho
Conley Ant Prince KAT Gobert
McLaughlin Beasley McDaniels Anderson Reid
Interesting concept Conley to the Wolves. Makes sense tho I reckon if they can make it work. Not sure if these two teams will trade again anytime soon lol.
one of the best potential trades i’ve read so far. very nice
Rudy to boston for gallinari and a second