Currently armed with four picks in this year’s draft (Nos. 5, 21, 43, and 53), the Jazz appear to be exploring the possibility of being active on the trade market before or during next week’s event. On Thursday’s installment of the Locked On Jazz podcast, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune unpacks a few trade scenarios that Utah’s brass has at least discussed
Larsen suggests that the Jazz have had preliminary conversations with the Lakers about the idea of a Walker Kessler or John Collins trade, the Mavericks about a potential Collin Sexton deal, and the Sixers regarding a possible trade up for the No. 3 pick, among other potential discussions.
A deal for that Philadelphia pick could come at a steep price.
“I do think it’s true that the Philadelphia 76ers are interested in trading down to No. 5 potentially if they can get off the Paul George deal,” Larsen said. “That may not make sense given how long that contract is and how I think Paul George was [last year]. I don’t think the Jazz are going to take that offer, but do think that’s an offer that’s been presented.”
While the Jazz have had real discussions about each of those scenarios, Larsen clarifies (via Twitter) that they haven’t “gotten into the serious stages” and he’s not sure how many of those negotiations are ongoing.
There’s more out of Utah:
- The Jazz’s G League affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars, have officially announced (Twitter link) that Rick Higgins will serve as the club’s sixth head coach. Higgins had most recently been a Jazz assistant coach under Will Hardy for the past two years. “I’m looking forward to taking on this opportunity to lead the Stars and continuing within the Jazz organization,” Higgins stated in a team press release. “The Stars play a critical role in the development structure of the Jazz and I plan to continue to build on the team’s successes, preparing players for the next level.”
- Back in the lottery for a third straight season and under the stewardship of new team president Austin Ainge, the Jazz face several big decisions this offseason, as Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron details in his preview of Utah’s summer (Substack link). The Jazz are currently $23MM below the league’s luxury tax. Gozlan observes that Utah could try to package together its two first-round draft picks this year, or could look to offload some of the surplus of future picks they possess through 2032. Gozlan notes that the Jazz could also consider the idea of trading star forward Lauri Markkanen, despite a 2024 contract extension.
- Ahead of this year’s draft, the Jazz recently worked out one-and-done Duke center Khaman Maluach, sources tell Tony Jones of The Athletic (via Twitter). Kessler, of course, is the club’s incumbent starter at the position, but Maluach boasts intriguing upside. The 7’2″ big man is one of the best-regarded prospects this year and considered a probable top-10 selection. Across 39 healthy games for the Blue Devils in 2024/25, the 18-year-old averaged 8.6 PPG, 6.6 RPG, and 1.3 BPG.
Honestly I’d take Kesler and a second to trade down with the Jazz if I’m the sixers
And Philly gives 3 and George?
Utah has a team?
Ainge is quite myopic on trades involving draft picks, but even he isn’t myopic enough to take on PG’s contract to trade up. Unless, maybe, he’s trading up to #3 from 2nd round. Trading up to #3 from #5 should not come at a great cost in this draft, as, after the top 2, there is not a huge difference in the scouting grades of the next 6 or so.
Ainge over plays his hands. He traded away 2 all stars and what he was left with some draft picks and 1 borderline star player. Big decision on Kessler trade him or give him an expensive extension. Trade Collins if you keep Kessler and try to bring in a young player that has potential.
Ainge didn’t overplay anything in regards to the Gobert and Mitchell trades. That core wasn’t going past the 2nd round and obviously Utah has to build a winner through the draft since we all know they are a small market team and do not attract free agents. It’s as simple as that. Not easy to build a legit championship contender in Utah for obvious reasons. The plan pans out or it doesn’t
I’ve always liked Sexton , maybe Dallas can route Gafford Powell and Brandon Willams to Utah for Sexton and a couple 2nds
Utah could get Lakers 31 pick and. Protections lifted off the 27 pick a couple days later in a separate deal for expirings w Gafford ( kleber & Milton )
Probably the only way to get off Gafford while getting 1st td value is lakers and it’s hard to have a direct link w Dal Lal today
Honestly as a Sixers fan would love nothing more than Paul George and the 3rd for Lauri and the 5th even if it cost us a future first.
We need a PF, Lauri is perfect as a 3rd/4th option cause he doesn’t need many touches, he can shoot the 3 ball and he’s pretty consistent.
Defensively he’s not great but his length would be an asset and Joel usually has good rim protection.
I also don’t think there’s much of a difference from 3/5 at all in this draft. Johnson isn’t a fit with what we have. Ace has question marks as does VJ. Don’t need Fears, Malauch isn’t needed for a win now side behind Embiid and Drummond. Would open us up for Kon or take one of the guys mentioned and hope it plus out well for us.
If not Lauri I’d be happy with John Collins and either Clarkson or Sexton to match PG’s contract.
John again gives us a PF which I think is key.
As for the Lakers I wonder if they would consider giving up AR plus a contract like Rui or DFS for a combo of Collins, Kessler and pick 21.
Luka Bron Collins Kessler as 4 of your 5 starters.
Bring all you need is a SG which you can address in FA. You have Knetch, you get the 21st pick, Rui off the bench also. Could even play Bron as point, Luka the 2 and Rui start.
A win now, plan for the future team with abit more cohesion.
Brony James too. I’m sure he’ll be an allstar this season and not a D-league back-up.
Lakers won’t do this trade. Honestly makes no sense for Utah either. Why would they want AR who they have to pay big money to next year when they have no team around him.
All I think Sexton needs is a team that’ll let him do his thing, a big bro and a competitive atmosphere. he can be an easy 25/5/3 guy
I’m sure Danny can’t wait to help the lakers.