Zarin Ficklin looks at Harrison Barnes and other popular Jazz trade targets. (via ESPN.com)
Trade season is upon us. The league has been in a holding pattern for deals since many recent signees couldn’t be traded until today, but 84% of the league became trade eligible.
Recent mid-season trades by the Jazz have brought in players like Jae Crowder, Kyle Korver, and Jordan Clarkson. Each of those moves made a significant impact on their remaining seasons. Can Utah make another ceiling-altering transaction when they are in the thick of championship contention?
As always with roster construction, it’s complicated. For one, the Jazz may have the most complete roster in the league. Their rotation is solid one through nine. Their end-of-bench depth is better than last season. They own the best offensive rating and the second best net rating. I couldn’t fault the Jazz brass for being happy with the current team and standing pat.
This does not mean the team is without weakness and cannot be improved. But the Jazz don’t need to make a trade as badly as their competitors. And their asset cupboard is not well-stocked. I’m sure the front office has a list of targets they’d like, but the cost may not be worth it.
That said, fake trades are always fun. I polled Twitter to see what trade targets we should explore here, and I’ll offer some ideas from my own trade machine explorations. Before we dive in, here are two caveats:
And to guide this exercise, Shams Charania already dropped a Jazz-related trade rumor when he reported that the Jazz “are pursuing a defensive-minded wing on the trade market.” No huge surprise there, but it does confirm the Jazz are open to improving their roster.
Let’s start with one of the biggest names the Jazz can realistically target. The Jazz are simply not going to trade for an All-Star. It would be great to follow the Milwaukee Bucks’ footsteps and add a Jrue Holiday-caliber player. Holiday cost the Bucks three first round picks, two pick swaps, plus two rotation-quality guards in George Hill and Eric Bledsoe.
Hypothetically, what is Utah’s best Godfather offer? Because of owed picks and the Stepien rule1, pushing all the chips to the center looks like:
That may not seem too far off from the Buck’s package for Holiday. But keep in mind those first round picks would be conveyed after the contracts of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert are up. Trading them is a huge risk. Butler may not have much value yet. And there’s probably not an available All-Star that makes sense for the Jazz anyway.
So back to Barnes. He’s not an All-Star-level player, but he might be in the next tier. He can score, he can defend, he’s athletic. I don’t doubt he’d be an excellent fit in the Jazz starting lineup. But is he that much of an upgrade to Bojan Bogdanovic? Let’s compare some stats and include some other potential forward upgrades:
| Player | Pts. per 36 | Reb. per 36 | Ast. per 36 | eFG% | 3PA per 36 | USG% | Age |
| Bojan Bogdanovic | 20.3 | 4.7 | 2.1 | .532 | 7.4 | 21.9 | 32 |
| Harrison Barnes | 18.7 | 7.2 | 2.5 | .544 | 5.0 | 20.6 | 29 |
| Jerami Grant | 21.8 | 5.2 | 2.8 | .469 | 5.7 | 26.9 | 27 |
| Tobias Harris | 19.8 | 8.6 | 3.5 | .516 | 4.2 | 24.4 | 29 |
Bogdanovic and Barnes are fairly even offensively, especially when you adjust the stats to per 36 minutes, as Bojan plays less. Barnes is slightly less efficient, but doesn’t offer the same spacing benefits Bogdanovic gives the Jazz. Barnes is younger, more athletic, and a better rebounder. The most significant upgrade Barnes isn’t an amazing defender, but he’s competent and versatile. He can stay in front of his man and won’t be a target, and honestly that’s what the Jazz need come playoff time.
So yeah, a Bogey-to-Barnes upgrade makes sense on paper. But what would it cost? Does Sacramento want Bogdanovic, given he’s a similar (but slightly older) version of their current forward with somewhat downgraded defense? Probably not. Is a first round pick and some extra stuff enough incentive? Probably not. And if the Jazz have to surrender their two first round picks, is that worth a 10 or 20 percent upgrade? Probably not.
If I’m Jazz GM Justin Zanik — or new team governor Danny Ainge — maybe I throw out an offer that includes Bogdanovic, a future first, a second, maybe a pick swap, maybe a young guy and see what the Kings say. Kangz gonna Kangz, after all. But I’m not holding my breath.
Let’s look at the other forwards shown in the tables above.
Charania also reported that Jerami Grant is available. Grant has long been a Jazz fan-favorite. He’s the best perimeter defender of the group by far, and that’s his big appeal. He’s blossomed in a premiere offensive role in Detroit — and while that’s great for Grant, it makes his fit on the Jazz trickier. With a usage rate of nearly 27% he’d have to be okay with a much decreased role on offense again. His overall efficiency has dipped as the primary option in Detroit, but it should improve as a fourth option on a talented Jazz team. I’m also not sure the Jazz can beat out other offers for Grant — they lack good draft picks or young players that the Pistons will seek. Now, maybe his injury makes him more gettable than before. If a trade was doable, the Jazz would have to ask themselves if they’re okay playing a few months without a starter. They have depth, but may slip in the standings regardless.
Grant would cost as much as Barnes, if not more, and will also be expecting an extension. It would be about as all-in a move as the Jazz could make.
Tobias Harris is another player formerly coveted by Jazz fans. In an alternate reality, the Jazz signed Harris on a max deal instead of trading for Mike Conley. While Harris is still a nice player, his production doesn’t match his 5-year $180 million deal. The Jazz would have to trade two rotation players to make the money work. And they’d be deep into the luxury tax for the foreseeable future. I don’t see this happening, and I’m not even sure it makes the Jazz better.
Gordon has been a hot name in the trade market. The Rockets are improbably winning games, and Gordon is a big reason why. He’s averaging over 14 points a game and shooting the three at nearly 44%. He’s a versatile perimeter defender despite being only 6-3. We all remember him causing Mitchell huge problems in the playoffs. And yet, it wasn’t long ago that Gordon had negative trade value. He only played 27 and 36 games in the previous two seasons. He’s paid $18 million this season and $19 million the next, followed by a non-guaranteed $20 million a year later.
His perimeter defense could be a huge boon to the Jazz. Since Snyder staggers his rotations early, Gordon could see a good chunk of time defending opposing starters. It would be great to throw him at the Steph Currys and Damian Lillards of the league. And his volume shooting from distance would fit the Jazz system perfectly — it’s what he’s been doing for years in Houston already.
The Jazz would most certainly need to trade one of Jordan Clarkson or Joe Ingles, to match salary and give Gordon minutes. Utah would have to add a lesser salary like Udoka Azubuike to make the money work. The Rockets have 15 roster spots, so taking back two players complicates things. And then there’s a question of value. Do the Rockets want Joe or Jordan, or believe they could flip them for assets from another team? How much draft compensation do they demand? Is a first round pick enough?
There are risks. While Gordon has a decent 3-point career average, his 44% is an outlier that could regress. His injury history is concerning. And he would cost the Jazz ownership extra money luxury tax fees this year, and beyond. Again, if you determine Gordon is 10 or 20 percent better than current Jazz backup guards, is that upgrade worth both the risk and cost?
Yes, Gordon makes sense on the Jazz. He fits in the offense and fills a defensive need. But it’s by no means a no-brainer deal. If an offer happens, it’s probably centered around a first round pick to Houston and Ingles and Dok to a third team.
Let’s talk about Ingles and Clarkson for a moment. Since the team’s biggest weakness is perimeter defense and since it’s unlikely the Jazz trade a starter, the backup guards will be involved in most trade ideas. Neither are good defenders. Both have very tradable salary figures. And yet both are incredible popular and play key roles. They finished first and second in Sixth Man of the Year last season. And while perimeter defense is a concern, is it big enough to demand a roster shakeup? After all, maybe the perimeter defense isn’t so glaring a weakness in a playoff series where Mitchell and Conley are healthy. And star guards are scoring less across the league with rules changes on fouling.
There’s still a case to trade either player.
Clarkson has had an inefficient season. Utah’s winning streak coincided with the uber-efficient Rudy Gay taking some of Clarkson’s possessions. It begs the question: do the Jazz need Clarkson to soak up possessions like they did when they traded him a few years ago? What happens if they give those shots to four of the league’s most efficient players plus Donovan Mitchell?
Ingles has looked slower this season. He’s on an expiring contract, and it’s unknown how much longer he wants to play in the league. Joe has been heating up and playing with more aggression. And I think he’s still got a few good years in him. But if the Jazz believe otherwise, it makes sense to trade him for value while they can.
So: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The same player who just flubbed a cock-back dunk attempt against the side of the backboard. But also the same player who was maybe the third best player on the Championship Lakers a few years ago. KCP has proved himself in the playoffs and is still one of the better perimeter defenders. He’s only 28 years old and has averaged 40% from 3 the last two seasons.
But do the Wizards want to trade one of their starters? Right now it seems unlikely. A few things could shake up the situation. If Bradley Beal is traded, any change is on the table. If Rui Hachimura returns to the starting lineup, KCP could see a reduced role. The Wizards could use another distributor to feed Beal — I think Ingles would fit on their team. But would Joe simply choose retirement if traded? Who knows.
Like KCP, Melton can defend and shoot the 3 (accuracy of 37% this season). A Jordan Clarkson for De’Anthony Melton trade works straight across. It even saves the Jazz a good chunk of money this season. Melton would help shore up the perimeter defense, particularly against speedy guards. He’s only 23 years old and is signed at a very reasonable salary through 2024.
On the other hand, it’s unclear how real his 3-point shooting is. His accuracy has regressed from last year and was not good his first two seasons. He didn’t play a big role in the playoffs and he’s not a recognizable talent like Clarkson is.
But the trade could make sense for both teams from a fit standpoint. On the Jazz Melton would focus on efficient shots and locking down guards. The Grizzlies need players who can create shots that aren’t named Ja Morant.
I have no idea which team asks for draft compensation. Utah could argue they’re trading the reigning Sixth man who averaged 18.4 points per game last season. Memphis could argue they’re trading a young player on a great contract. For all I know, the Grizzlies have zero interest in dealing him. But I like this trade, personally.
There’s probably no better defensive upgrade than Marcus Smart. His ability to lock down guards and switch to bigger players is elite. He brings toughness and the Jazz could use a little more of that. He’s also expressed frustration with his team this season. The Celtics could use more ball-handling and shooting, so Ingles would be a nice fit there.
There are two big obstacles: 1) I doubt Smart would be okay with moving to a bench role and playing 10 fewer minutes per game. 2) Smart is only shooting 28% from 3 this season. He does shoots at volume and can hit hot streaks, so he defenders can’t leave him alone. But the number one offense in the league would certainly dip with Marcus Smart.
He could be expensive to trade for. He’s foundational to the Celtics organization, and it may take multiple picks to get a deal done (assuming Boston makes him available at all).
This is a name I don’t hear often, but could be a good fit for the Jazz. While teammate Dejounte Murray would be preferable, White is older and more available. He’s a solid defender and a career 34% 3-point shooter … but he’s shooting only 28% from 3 this season. With his skill overlap with Murray he may be a buy low candidate. But who knows what San Antonio is trying to do and what they value in return.
Unlike White, Lu Dort is a name I hear often from Jazz fans. He’s a bona fide lockdown defender with size and versatility. He’s averaging 17 points per game. His 3-point shot is streaky, but he launches seven and a half threes per game at 33%. Oh, and he’s paid $1.7 million this season and $1.9 million the next. So basically you have a better version of Marcus Smart at on an absurdly good contract.
That said, I don’t see why OKC would trade him. And if they did, I can’t imagine what the cost would be. Dort’s minuscule salary further complicates the trade when trying to match salaries. I’d love Dort on the Jazz, but I don’t see how they can make it happen.
Nance has long been a favorite target of mine, but Utah’s signings of Rudy Gay and Hassan Whiteside changed the situation. Nance plays both power forward and center positions, has shot the 3 serviceably in past years (though only 27% this season), and is a decent defender who specializes in deflections. He’d be a nice fit, but at this point it only makes sense to give him Bogdanovic’s spot. I’m not sure I want him locked in solely as a starting power forward. He only took 3.3 3-point shots in his most accurate season, so the offense would take a hit if he slotted into Bogey’s role. Further complicating the trade are two things: 1) Nance for Bogdanvic doesn’t work. Blazers would have to add two more players to get the math right, and Jazz don’t have the roster spots to do a 3-for-1 trade. 2) The Blazers just promoted Nance to the starting lineup, so he’s likely not available anyway. But it’s a good segue for our next target…
The idea of Covington is appealing for the Jazz: a prototypical 3&D player with size and versatility. The reality is that Covington has not been a good player for a few seasons. His defense has really fallen and his overall field goal percentage is only 39%. Like Nance, it doesn’t make much sense to trade a backup guard for him. That leaves Bogey as the potential trade piece, and I’d much rather have Bogey.
Another name reportedly available is Atlanta’s Cam Reddish. Several things intrigue: he’s only 22, he’s an athletic 6-8 wing, and he’s upped his 3-point percentage to 37% this season. He could be a nice long-term piece. But the Jazz are competing for a championship this season — they are safer targeting a more proven vet. I don’t know if Reddish can be counted on in high-stakes playoff games. Also, Reddish’s salary is only $4.6 million, so this is another tricky trade to pull off.
Holiday is a 3&D guard on the now rebuilding Pacers. He defends decently, he shoots the three decently, he’s reportedly available. Check, check, check. He’s still a questionable fit. For one, he doesn’t do much beyond shooting the three, and even then, he’s only a 36% shooter. He’d be a clear overall talent downgrade from Ingles or Clarkson, even if his skillset might be a better theoretical fit. He’s also a little too good to add as a 10th man. If he was willing though, there are few better break-in-case-of-emergency players available. The 13-year vet has only made the playoffs twice in his career, after all. The Jazz could trade two young players and some draft compensation to make the money work. It’s a long shot either way, and I’m sure other contenders will ask about him. Also worth noting, Holiday refuses to get vaccinated, so that may make a trade a non-starter anyway.
We’re reaching the pool of players that would not be in Utah’s rotation unless injuries hit. The Jazz already have Eric Paschall out of the rotation at forward spot. Gay can cover center minutes if Whiteside is hurt. So really the Jazz only have an opening at guard or wing. Trent Forest has been providing spot minutes to give Mike Conley rest. He’s been decent in that role. Perhaps the Jazz think they can upgrade those minutes. Or they just want another defensive wing they can throw in the game when situation dictates it.
Torrey Craig makes $5 million and played 12 minutes per game for the Suns last post-season. He’s a long defender who barely shoots the 3, but can sometimes make them. Is he worth trading assets for when it’s unlikely he’ll play? The Jazz still have their 15th roster spot open and can just sign a free agent now or wait for the buyout market. I like Craig, and think he’s a decent insurance option, but I don’t think a trade for him is necessary.
As we’ve seen, there are a lot of players who address the team needs on paper, but are harder to actually acquire in reality. While the reports say the Jazz are looking for a defense-oriented wing, I wouldn’t be surprised if nothing happens. Every team has weaknesses, and addressing a weakness with a trade usually results in a tradeoff elsewhere. Trading midseason also comes with a cost — new players need time to integrate. And you risk shaking up chemistry. The Jazz are winning and having fun, and don’t look like a team that needs a shot in the arm.
But if I’m the GM of the Jazz, I try a few things:
Whatever happens, the Jazz are in a good position. They’ll look for opportunities to improve, but they’re already a deep, well-constructed team.
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