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Welcome to the Utah Jazz Trade Rumors Tracker. With this year poised to be a possibly big deadline for the Utah Jazz as they gear up to #PlayoffPush mode, we figured we’d gear up as well. This will be a catch all for all trade rumors for the Utah Jazz. This includes when national writers hear whispers of teams that could be in the running or if Utah is mentioned as a good fit for a team on the trade block.
Even if it’s not a “Utah Jazz are interested in ... “ type tweet from Woj or Shams, we’re still going to link it here. But we’re going to give it a rating on how likely it could be. Those ratings, highest to lowest, are as follows:
Splash Uncle - This is basically easy money. Once the rumor is out there, you know it’s credible, and it’s going in. These are the rumors that have legs and feel like they’re going to close imminently. For example: “Wojnarowski reports that the Utah Jazz are close to trading for Kyle Korver.” That’s a Splash Uncle Rating.
CROWDER - This type of rumor is hit or miss. It sounds like it could be plausible, but the rumor source is one that doesn’t have a strong track record, or it’s VERY early in the trade process. For example: “The Charlotte Hornets are rumored to be after Kevin Love ... another team that could jump into the mix is the Utah Jazz.” Utah is the main source and this one is more speculation than insider info.
Rubio - These ones are left open for a reason. These ones are better in theory than in practice. These are the ones that are national writers or insiders making guesses as to whom could be a good fit, or coming up with a fake trade, but there isn’t a rumor attached. For example, “If Otto Porter does become available at the deadline, Utah could be a good fit and give the Wizards cap space needed to reset.” This one has no insider info, but is relying on the expertise of the writer/reporter. They’re incredible fun, beautiful, and wholesome, but are left open for a reason. These are the pipe dreams of trade rumors, and usually the most entertaining.
Rose - These ones deserve to be released and forgotten. Their shelf life as a rumor should last longer than Derrick Rose’s tenure as a Jazzman. We never talk of them again. For example: “Should the Utah Jazz trade for Carmelo Anthony?” See? Doesn’t that just make you want to hit the delete button?
This article will continually be updated through the NBA Trade Deadline. The most recent rumors will be near the top as the oldest will be near the bottom.
February 7th, 2019
Utah Jazz still have not ‘abandoned its pursuit of Mike Conley’
From Marc Stein of the New York Times:
Utah, meanwhile, has not abandoned its pursuit of Mike Conley, league sources say, even knowing Conley’s preference is to go to the East if he is dealt today. As discussed here yesterday, Memphis may decide its trade options for Conley broaden by waiting until closer to the draft
Rating: Splash Uncles
My_Lo’s take: I feel like Utah is headed to disaster here, not because of their ineptitude, but the Grizzlies are the engineer of this nightmare trade. They couldn’t even trade Tyreke Evans last trade deadline when their only job was to trade Tyreke Evans at the last trade deadline.
February 7th, 2019
Grizzlies active at the trade deadline, JaMychal Green gaining a lot of interest
From Marc Stein of the New York Times:
The Hornets were not able to acquire Harrison Barnes but continue to engage with Grizzlies on a Marc Gasol deal, I’m told. JaMychal Green is also attracting interest on what could well be a busy day in Memphis
Rating: Crowder
My_Lo’s Take: The Grizzlies top priority is finding a landing spot for Marc Gasol as he’s a free agent after this season. They’re trying to get some value back as their season is running out of steam. That seems like the first shoe to drop before a possible Mike Conley to Utah deal gets done. Meanwhile JaMychal Green—who could provide some value as a backup 4 should Utah have to move Favors to Memphis as well—is garnering a lot of interest. Could be that Memphis is including him to Utah but still wants Exum. Rumor has it that Utah does not want to part with Exum at all costs.
February 6th, 2019
Wizards are going to Wizard. Otto Porter traded for Jabari Parker and Bobby Portis.
The Utah Jazz who are focused on Mike Conley are watching stretch bigs that they’ve been linked to previously get snatched up by other teams. Last night it was Tobias Harris to the Philadelphia 76ers, tonight it’s Otto Porter to the Chicago Bulls.
The Washington Wizards are sending Otto Porter to the Chicago Bulls for Bobby Portis and Jabari Parker, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @WatchStadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 7, 2019
Rating: Splash Uncles
My_Lo’s Take: Ernie Grunfeld strikes again. The man he a wizard at not only being bad at his job then being worse at covering up his mistakes. He not only got worse value than what the Mavericks got for Harrison Barnes only hours later, he also didn’t get a single 1st round pick for Otto. There would have been better offers that provided the Wizards with the same perks of cap space and actual draft picks, but he just jumped at the first opportunity. This is a prime example of being a General Manager doesn’t necessarily make you competent or good at your job. Jazz fans are lucky to have Dennis Lindsey because it’s much easier to have a terrible GM than to have a competent one.
February 6th, 2019
Utah going after Kyle Lowry? That’s a big no.
As of now, there is no traction on a potential Kyle Lowry to Utah trade, league sources tell The Athletic. Jazz are focused on Mike Conley
Rating: Splash Uncles
My_Lo’s Take: This could all change in a heartbeat. Utah is going full steam ahead toward Mike Conley. While there are rumors that Conley doesn’t want to stay in the Western Conference—presumably because he most likely would like to earn an All Star bonus once in his career—that would not deter Utah from getting the best player they can at the Deadline. Now we wait.
February 6th, 2019
Rumored deal to Memphis includes Ricky Rubio, Derrick Favors
From Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer:
The Jazz are making a strong push to acquire the 31-year-old point guard, as first reported by The Athletic’s Tony Jones. The Jazz are offering a deal with Ricky Rubio and Derrick Favors serving as the (expiring) salary fillers necessary to complete a trade, plus one first-round pick, according to league sources. Though Conley is known for his playmaking, he’d be an ideal fit next to Donovan Mitchell because of his consistent perimeter shooting. Conley has shot 46.4 percent off screens over the past three seasons on an admittedly low volume of 106 attempts. Playing alongside Mitchell, Conley could see an uptick in off-ball opportunities.
The Pistons also have interest in Conley, and so did the Pacers prior to Victor Oladipo’s injury. The sense around the league has been that Memphis won’t settle for a low return for Conley, but there’s a real chance that he’ll be dealt by the deadline.
Rating: Splash Uncles
My_Lo’s Take: Well ... now we know how much Utah’s soul is worth. Derrick Favors, Ricky Rubio, and a first round pick for Mike Conley. This seems fair. It hurts, but it seems fair. Utah would have a four out lineup capable of hitting the three with Crowder at the four. Thabo becomes the backup four if the buyout market can’t yield a Jabari Parker, and we would see Joe Ingles playing more backup four as well. This seems like enough to do the deal. Honestly, in past iterations of this deal I questioned whether Utah’s offer was enough. I’m not questioning that anymore. Utah can also convince Memphis that they can do what the Clippers did with Tobias Harris and flip this contract again next year for additional assets. This feels like we’re close to seeing this saga end with Conley in a Jazz uniform.
February 6th, 2019
Detroit Pistons backing out of talks with Memphis for Conley?
From Vince Ells of the Detroit Free Press:
And I gather #Pistons aren’t expecting to land Mike Conley at this juncture. “Asking too much,” source says. Bullock trade would appear to be that realization.
Rating: Splash Uncles
My_Lo’s Take: The Memphis Grizzlies probably tried to raise the asking price again. We don’t know what they are asking for, but it’s enough to get the Detroit Pistons to change their strategy from “win now” to “let’s get assets” mode. Right now it appears that Utah is in the driver’s seat for Conley. But if the price became too rich for Detroit, what does it require for Utah? Hopefully, the Jazz aren’t selling their soul for just a couple extra wins.
February 6th, 2019
Los Angeles Clippers’ Tobias Harris heading to Philadelphia 76ers
From ESPN.com’s Adrian Wojnarowski:
The LA Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers agreed on a blockbuster deal that sends forward Tobias Harris to partner with the Sixers’ Joel Embiid, Ben Simmonsand Jimmy Butler to pursue an Eastern Conference title, league sources told ESPN.
The Sixers paid a steep future price to the Clippers, including rookie guard Landry Shamet, Philadelphia’s own 2020 protected first-round pick and an unprotected 2021 first-round pick via the Miami Heat, league sources told ESPN.
Rating: Splash Uncle
My_Lo’s Take: This is going to throw a wrench into Utah’s pursuit of Harris this offseason. It was already getting precarious with the possible addition of Mike Conley, but having to try to pry him off a team that could be the Eastern Conference’s Finals representative is tricky. Meanwhile, the Sixers are a modern NBA dream with their All-Wing starting lineup.
February 1st, 2019
Utah Jazz and Philadelphia 76ers interested in New Orleans Pelicans’ Nikola Mirotic
Sean Deveney of Sporting News NBA with the story:
There’s also the team that was the frontrunner at this time last year to land Mirotic from Chicago — the Jazz. Sources told Sporting News that they, too, have interest in Mirotic.
Utah is seeking a perimeter-oriented big man to play with Rudy Gobert and could land Mirotic with a first-round pick. The big question would be whether Utah would ship out starting forward Derrick Favors, whose contract is not guaranteed for next year, or piece together a deal featuring some young players (Raul Neto, Tony Bradley) along with a pick.
Rating: Crowder
My_Lo’s Take: This seems to be coming from the Pelicans direction rather than Utah’s. We haven’t heard from Utah’s side if they’re interested. Feels like Pelicans want a 1st rounder as compensation and heard how the Memphis negotiations are going, so why not throw out what Utah was willing to give up there? Mirotic for Favors straight up feels like a win for the Pellies if they get a Grayson Allen with him. But a 1st rounder for a half season rental? Pelicans are way out of pocket on that one.
February 1st, 2019
Utah Jazz have “significant interest” in Mike Conley
Marc Stein of the New York Times reporting:
Utah has had exploratory discussions with Memphis on a potential swap headlined by Mike Conley and Ricky Rubio in advance of next week’s trade deadline, according to league sources.
For those talks to progress all the way to a deal, though, would require additional pieces as well as Utah absorbing the two years and $66 million remaining on Conley’s contract -- which is obviously steep.
The Jazz have undeniable interest in Conley as the deadline approaches, league sources say, but it is a big step up financially from Rubio’s $15 million expiring deal. Memphis is believed to covet prime draft compensation in a trade involving either Conley or Marc Gasol
Rating: Splash Uncles
My_Lo’s Take: This looks like it’s close to being done. Looking at prior deals that have come to light this trade deadline, they’ve progressed incredibly quickly from the time the rumor like this comes out to when it fully ends. Utah wants a third piece next to Gobert and Mitchell. Conley provides that and brings a host of playoff experience. It’s a big risk bringing on someone at his age, but when you’re a small market team, you don’t have the benefit of low risk acquisitions. We could bet talking about this trade in reality by the end of this weekend. My prediction is this deal goes through after the Rockets game tomorrow night so Utah doesn’t go the next couple games with an even more limited roster.
January 31st, 2019
New York Knicks expected to discuss moving Kristaps Porzingis
From Adrian Wojnarowski, Zach Lowe, and Ramona Shelbourne of ESPN.com:
Porzingis, sidelined for nearly a year with an ACL injury, can become a restricted free agent this summer. Increasing tensions on both sides could culminate with the Knicks initiating trade talks prior to Thursday’s trade deadline or in the offseason to move Porzingis out of New York, league sources said.
His uncertain standing with the Knicks has been the focus of multiple teams around the league, who’ve wondered if there would be pathway to acquire him, front office sources told ESPN.
Rating: Crowder leaning toward Splash Uncle
My_Lo’s Take: Porzingis doesn’t really have the leverage in this arrangement. He’s a restricted FA and the Knicks can match any deal in the offseason. However, Porzingis may only sign a one year deal and hit the free agent market, but he’s had a history of injuries which makes betting on himself incredibly risky. One thing is certain, if he’s available, every team in the league is going to be throwing the house at the Knicks for his services. That would include Utah. I don’t see Kristaps moving before the deadline. That would be an upset.
January 31st, 2019
Washington Wizards have significant interest in Derrick Favors
Tony Jones of the Athletic reports:
Favors is one of the most underrated two-way power forwards in the league.
He’s been with the Jazz for eight years.
But how much longer will he be with the Jazz?
The NBA’s trade deadline is a week away, and it’s no secret the Jazz may be buyers. As league sources have told The Athletic, the Jazz have interest in Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter, and Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley. Sources say the Wizards have significant interest in Favors and would ask for him in any potential trade for Porter.
Rating: Splash Uncle
My_Lo’s Take: Where there’s smoke there’s a lot of fire. The added nugget of the Wizards having “significant interest” is the most surprising. It starting to look like this could be a real scenario. The Jazz play the Hawks tomorrow before facing off against the Rockets on Saturday. After that they play only one game against the bottom dwelling Suns on Wednesday before the 9th where they play the Spurs. Then they’re practically at the All Star break. Seems like they’re incentivized to make a trade after Houston to take advantage of the break. That would give them time to integrate any new pieces into their roster before tough games against the Spurs and Warriors. Buckle up, folks. Looks like this trade deadline is going to be a fun one.
January 31st, 2019
New Orleans will not pick up the phone for Los Angeles Lakers
From Adrian Wojnarowski, Zach Lowe, and Brian Windhorst:
As of now, the Pelicans see no reason to deliver Davis to the Lakers in a deal with a full season left on his contract -- never mind do it on a timeline that benefits mostly the objectives of Los Angeles and Davis.
New Orleans officials are prepared to play the long game on Davis’ future, embarking on an uncomfortable, if not combative process that could extend months beyond next Thursday’s trade deadline.
Rating: Splash Uncle
My_Lo’s Take: Once again, Utah has no chance of Davis, but if New Orleans is refusing to work with LA, this opens up different teams to grab Davis. New Orleans’ owner is proudly waving the small market banner here and would be more inclined to work with small market teams. That may allow Utah in the future to pick off pieces from the tanking carcass of the New Orleans Pelicans.
January 28th, 2019
Anthony Davis requests trade out of New Orleans
From Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.com:
Agent Rich Paul has notified the New Orleans Pelicans that All-NBA forward Anthony Davis has no intention of signing a contract extension if and when presented and that he has requested a trade, Paul told ESPN on Monday.
Rating: SPLASH UNCLE
My_Lo’s Take: It’s go time. While the Jazz would never be in the hunt for Anthony Davis this breaks open the dam of other players being available. Think about it. When a player like this becomes available, teams not interested in the trade deadline suddenly become interested. They start making offers to New Orleans. Other teams hear of players they didn’t think were available as being available. That opens up the possibility for more deals being had for auxiliary players. It’s about to get exciting.
January 24th, 2019
Utah Jazz now interested in both Mike Conley and Otto Porter Jr.
Tony Jones of The Athletic has the report:
As we head into trade deadline season, the Jazz continue to search for that dynamic third piece that up to this point has eluded them, league sources tell The Athletic. According to sources, the Jazz have expressed interest in Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley and Wizards small forward Otto Porter Jr., both of whom have been put on the trade block by their respective teams.
Does that mean the Jazz will for sure actively make offers for one or both? Not necessarily. But it does mean if circumstances align, the Jazz may have interest in throwing their hat into the ring.
Rating: Splash Step-Uncle
My_Lo’s Take: Okay ... okay ... so I made up a new rating, but hear me out on this. WE’RE SO CLOSE. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and this one is filling the Salt Lake Valley faster than a terrible inversion in winter time. The one line—not sure if it’s a throwaway—where Jones says could they make an offer for both, makes me wonder ... how far is Utah willing to go to hit this window with Donovan and Gobert? They could possible land both, they would be selling a lot of the farm, but could Utah go ALL IN? We normally talk about them going all in for one player. But what if they really go for it? Interesting times in Wasatch right now.
January 23rd, 2019
Utah Jazz looking to acquire Otto Porter Jr.
Shams Charania of The Athletic has the story:
Depending on how the next week to two weeks shape up, the Wizards could look more aggressively toward moving Otto Porter. The Utah Jazz have been an interested suitor for Porter, league sources said. Beal has helped lead the Wizards to seven wins in their past 10 games, carrying a squad that lost All-Star John Wall to season-ending heel surgery before the New Year.
Rating: CROWDER
My_Lo’s take: WE’RE GETTING WARMER. This one seems to be inching closer to Splash Uncle territory. The Jazz liked Otto Porter during the summer of our malcontent with Gordon Hayward. This rumor feels like it has legs as it has Washington drawing a line in the sand with Beal and Utah has pieces on their team that they can part with that would still allow Washington to move up in the playoff race. Favors would be an upgrade at the 5 for Washington and Rubio would fill in nicely for the injured John Wall.
January 22nd, 2019
Mike Conley on the move?
From Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN:
Memphis ownership and management have decided that they’ve reached an organizational crossroads and are preparing to weigh deal scenarios on one or both of their cornerstone veterans between now and the Feb. 7 trade deadline -- and perhaps into the offseason, league sources said.
The Grizzlies could decide to keep one or both players if no deals meet the threshold of a desired return, but the organization is motivated to begin reshaping the roster around 2018 first-round pick, forward Jaren Jackson, league sources said.
The Grizzlies will pursue typical deal packages for veteran stars, including young talent, future draft picks and salary cap relief, league sources said.
Rating: Splash Uncle
My_Lo’s take: Expect Utah’s name to be linked to Conley just because Utah has a starting point guard on an expiring contract and an unproven young talent in Exum. Utah is one of the few teams out there can combine veteran stars (Favors), young talent (Dante Exum, Grayson Allen, Tony Bradley or Royce O’Neale), and draft picks to provide cap relief to Memphis. There’s only a few teams out there motivated to look at a deal like Conley’s and think about it. Utah will be one of them. That doesn’t mean it happens or even if Utah is interested, but they check all the boxes. Does Utah want Conley and his LARGE $31M/year contract? We’ll see.
There is one big fan of Conley in Utah though. He’s an ex-SLC Dunk writer so please forgive him.
Everyone who listens to the podcast and/or talks basketball with me IRL knows I'm heavily on the "Get Mike Conley to Utah" bandwagon, so this @wojespn tweet was big for me. https://t.co/6FSfnlw0LQ
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) January 22, 2019
January 22nd, 2019
Utah a good landing spot for Kevin Love?
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report writes:
If all references to the Cleveland Cavaliers were erased from the image above, tell me that’s not a moment Utah Jazz fans have dreamed about over the last year. Donovan Mitchell and Kevin Love embracing in front of the Larry O’Brien NBA Championship Trophy? If the sight doesn’t give you chills, you’re probably getting your Jazz Fan Club membership revoked.
Love is a natural target for the Jazz, whom Sam Amico of Amico Hoops mentioned as a potential Love suitor back in October.
Utah, which ranks 20th in three-point percentage, needs more snipers. Love drilled 137 long-balls at a 41.5 percent clip last season. The Jazz need another scorer to ease the burden on Mitchell, who’s set to become just the fifth qualified second-year player with a usage percentage north of 30. Love is averaging 18.3 points per game for his career and has booked All-Star trips as a primary scorer, sidekick and third wheel.
Assuming there’s a Derrick Favors-focused offer Cleveland would accept—Love’s trade value is...shall we say...not great—Utah might help Love as much as he’d assist it.
”Putting Love next to Rudy Gobert in Favors’ place would give the Jazz a new scoring dimension without losing the rebounding Favors provided,” The Ringer’s Haley O’Shaughnessy wrote in June. “Being reunited with Ricky Rubio would mean Love would get the ball more often, and being paired in the same offense as Donovan Mitchell would lead to a lot of open shots.”
With rangy defenders in front of him and Gobert manning the middle, Love’s defensive limitations might be less harmful in Utah. The same could be true of his massive contract, since the Jazz aren’t likely to add a player of his caliber through free agency. Oh, and the Park City superfan might even consider Salt Lake City a desired destination.
Rating: Rubio
My_Lo’s Take: While past rumors of Kevin Love seem to have more substance, this one is just hypothesizing that Utah is a good fit (they are, but we already know that). It doesn’t add much to the conversation, tho. Utah’s a good fit for Kevin Love. But are they interested now?
January 21st, 2019
A quiet Trade Deadline? ...
From Danny Leroux of The Athletic:
The West and East have different dynamics this season, but one commonality is that there are still a ton of teams that believe they are in contention for a playoff spot. Through three months, we can see a clear separation of five teams at the bottom of the league overall who are pretty definitively out of the mix but every other organization could construct a credible case for staying competitive. After all, as of right now, there are eleven teams in the Eastern Conference within 3 games of the postseason and an insane 14 franchises within 6 games in the Western Conference.
That creates two different challenges on the trade market: a shortage of sellers and a surplus of buyers.
There absolutely are players on those five worst teams that can help contenders, but not that many real difference-makers other than guys like Kevin Love and Tim Hardaway Jr. with significant contractual baggage. Some would argue that teams on the fringes of contention like the Grizzlies could and should move some of their veterans even if they still have an outside shot but that is far easier said than done, especially since general managers have to answer to owners who typically want to fight for the playoffs until it is impossible.
Rating: Splash Uncle
My_Lo’s Take: I’m afraid he’s right. As much as we love the fireworks of a good trade deadline there’s a moved up due date for trades that is putting people’s decision making at an odd time. If you are a potential seller, you might not realize it until later in February when the deadline used to be. As such there’s a low amount of sellers with a LOT of buyers which inflates the price. That’s pricing everyone out of the market who doesn’t want to lose a potential draft pick or valuable depth heading into the last quarter of the season and playoffs. I’m rooting for fireworks, but I think we may be stuck with snakes and sparklers.
January 20th, 2019
Kevin Love was seen warming up in Utah during pregame of Jazz vs Cavs
Mychal Lowman of SLC Dunk:
Kevin Love was seen warming up before the game in Utah. Kevin Love has been on this latest Cavs road trip (for some reason) that has seen him chill with his old buddy, LeBron, and now visit his favorite place on Earth: Utah. It seems to be more of a coincidence than anything else. But with all the talk of Utah’s interest in Love last offseason, why did he decide that Utah of all places was going to be the first place he tests out his recovery in pregame?
.@kevinlove is putting in work pregame. #BeTheFight pic.twitter.com/em1MWzfprP
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) January 19, 2019
Rating: Rubio
My_Lo’s Take: This is just us at the Dunk rumor mongering and having a lot of fun doing it. While it’s fun to connect the dots, I think Love is just getting to the point where he can test his left foot more and be with the team for practices and moral support. Cavs need a veteran on the road and he fits the bill. Though, if Love ends up in Utah after the trade deadline, I will totally point to this random occurence.
January 20th, 2019
Otto Porter not likely to be dealt at trade deadline?
Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington:
Apparently Wizards owner Ted Leonsis could have been even more clear when he delivered the edict last week that his team will ”never, ever tank.”
...
That means Beal is highly unlikely to be dealt. Otto Porter Jr. can be considered similarly and John Wall should go without saying given his current injury status and hefty trade kicker.
All of that doesn’t mean the Wizards won’t get calls. There are reasons why people are connecting the dots on Beal and Porter. The Wizards have underperformed this season and they are good, veteran players. That is generally the most basic formula for trade speculation.
Rating: Splash Uncle
My_Lo’s Take: Otto Porter to Jazz rumors meet wet blanket. Owners can be the biggest variable in this league and you can’t fire them. They own the joint. Even if Washington’s GM Ernie Grunfeld wants to move Porter for cap flexibility, he’s sure to meet major resistance from the Wizards owner, Ted Leonsis. Utah has a good working relationship with their front office—they previously worked out a trade that brought Shelvin Mack from Washington to Utah a few years back—but if Ted doesn’t want to blow it up, it won’t happen. As of right now, it looks like Porter is going to remain a Wizard for the rest of this season, at least.
January 18th, 2019
Carmelo’s People of Utah?
Kristian Winfield of SB Nation NBA:
The Jazz were off to a slow start, but they’ve rallied midway through the season to make a playoff push like many expected. Still, Donovan Mitchell is their only shot-creator. They could use another player who can manufacture offense on his own, off the bench.
Could Melo and Jae Crowder put their small issues aside and work together to get Utah into the playoffs? The bigger question is whether Quin Snyder could find a way to hide Anthony in that traditionally stingy Jazz defense.
Rating: Rose
My_Lo’s Take: I mean, c’mon.
January 16th, 2019
Otto Porter to the Utah Jazz?
Adrian Wojnarowski and Brian Windhorst on ESPN’s The Jump:
Woj: Otto Porter will be the interesting player from now until the trade deadline. There’s interest around the league and especially in the Western Conference for him. Is there a team that can offer the type of package that would make Washington want to do that? They have those three max contracts—and financially they’re really strapped—having Porter under the max deal and, obviously, Bradley Beal and Wall. So Porter is the way to get out of salary cap hell right now and maybe create some flexibility. Can anyone put together a deal to make Washington turn their attention to it?
Windy: Two teams to watch on this, I’m not saying they can pull it off: Utah and Sacramento. [They] would both love to have Otto Porter. Otto Porter has been great since he moved to a sixth man role and has been a big part of their turnaround. They’ve already been buyers in the trade market and they’re only two games back of the playoffs. I’m sure this front office—that is in a bit of danger going forward—is not in a position to want to sell.
Rating: CROWDER
My_Lo’s Take: Otto Porter was one of the players Utah had been eyeing as a backup plan should Gordon Hayward leave Utah. While it wasn’t in the cards in the past, that doesn’t mean that Utah has forgotten their Plan B. The reason this is a CROWDER is the Washington Wizards aren’t incentivized to tank right now as they’ve worked their way back into the playoffs. The price for Otto Porter would be HIGH as Utah could be asking the Wizards to forego that beautiful playoff revenue.
January 14th, 2018
Memphis blows it up and Utah goes for Mike Conley?
Parker Fleming of Grizzly Bear Blues:
Utah Receives: Mike Conley
Memphis Receives: Derrick Favors, Dante Exum, and a top-20 protected 2020 first-round pick.
Why Utah does it: Donovan Mitchell needs help. No one else in Utah can create their own shot. With Ricky Rubio being a free agent this summer, and Exum still not flourishing, Conley could become a top target for the Jazz.
Why Memphis does it: Dante Exum could use a fresh start. As a 6’6” guard, he at the least could be a menace defensively — as he showed last playoffs. If he finds his niche offensively, the Grizzlies would have another nice complimentary piece next to Jackson. With Favors, it’s a win-win move. He’s a veteran big man that could keep Jackson at the 4 next season. In addition, his $18M next season is non-guaranteed, which becomes a nice little trade chip.
Rating: Rubio
My_Lo’s Take: This one is just fluff. It’s fun fluff, but it’s fluff. Would Utah go after Mike Conley? Depends. It seems more implausible with every passing game with Donovan Mitchell excelling at point guard. The future appears to be with the positionless backcourt of Mitchell and Exum rather than adding a ball dominant point guard in Conley with Donovan Mitchell. The future at PG isn’t with your typical floor general like Conley. It’s guys like Luka Doncic, James Harden, and Donovan Mitchell running the show as combo guards with weapons built around them.
December 17th, 2018
Utah’s one of the rumored teams interested in Jabari Parker
The Utah Jazz are one of the teams interested in Parker, according to multiple league sources. Derrick Favors is an awkward fit next to center Rudy Gobert, and his $16.9 million on the books for next season is non-guaranteed, meaning he could be one of the pieces involved. Favors can’t be traded until January 15, so Chicago would have to wait. Would it be worth it? The Bulls are loaded with young bigs, so it’s hard to see them taking back Favors unless additional assets are included. Utah has all of its future picks, except for a 2020 second-rounder going to the Cavaliers, and has two other seconds incoming.
Parker’s value has diminished, but the Jazz are desperate for offense. They rank 23rd in offensive rating this season, and last in offensive rating in the fourth quarter. Parker doesn’t care about playing defense, but the rest of the team does; if they can help him get stops, maybe he can help them buy a bucket.
Rating: CROWDER
My_Lo’s Take: Before you rush to conclusions, remember that Jabari has been repeatedly linked to Utah over and over again by the national media. This isn’t like Jimmer when he was repeatedly linked to Utah over and over again by BYU fans in the comment section. Utah has shown significant interest in Jabari in the past. They’d get a shot to give him a run and be able to cut his contract loose after the season if it doesn’t work out. They would, however, be losing sacrificing their best backup big in Favors who’d be having a career year. This one is still a lot more miss than make, but it scares me how credible I think this could become the closer to the deadline we get.
October 30, 2018
Derrick Favors to ... anywhere ???
Derrick Favors, Jazz
Utah did well to sign Favors this summer to a two-year deal with next season not guaranteed. That means Favors is essentially on a one-year contract.
It’s become pretty clear that Favors needs to play center, and he can’t do so with Rudy Gobert in the middle with the Jazz. Favors vowed entering the season that he’d become a better 3-point shooter, but he’s been saying that for years and it hasn’t come to be.
Few expect that Favors will be in Utah when next season starts, and if the Jazz can find a deal that brings in another forward with some versatility, Favors could be gone come February.
Rating: CROWDER
My_Lo’s Take: Favors contract appeared designed to be easily tradeable and workable into a trade at its inception. It was if the Utah Jazz were using Derrick Favors to be a gift card to be used later at the trade deadline or as cap space in the next offseason. For his troubles, Derrick Favors was paid REALLY well (some in the national media felt overpaid for his projected minutes and production). Favors has had a career year, but Utah is looking for a more modern PF. They have been linked to Tobias Harris, Kevin Love, and Otto Porter. While Favors is in for YET ANOTHER trade season filled with rumors mentioning him, the lack of sellers on this market may make liars of us all once again.
October 22, 2018
Kevin Love to Utah
“Keep an eye on Kevin Love as the potential first major trade chip to be moved in the non-Jimmy Butler category. Yes, Love signed a long-term extension with Cleveland this summer. But as Blake Griffin showed last year, that just means he could be more attractive to another team as a trade chip.”
Who might have interest in Love?
Oh, that’s easy. Everyone knows LeBron James will soon run out of patience with his younger Los Angeles Lakers teammates. Everyone knows LeBron knows and likes Love, and Love clearly misses LeBron.
The Lakers undoubtedly have Love in the back of their minds, if not the front.
Other potential suitors: the Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets, who have loved Love for some time and had all but pulled off a trade for him in the summer of 2017.
Rating: CROWDER
My_Lo’s Take: If anyone has been listening to the SLC Punks Podcast, they’d know that James and I are trying to build a Kevin Love addition to Exum Island. Kevin Love’s connection with Utah is big as he LOVES Park City. There’s been smoke with this rumor for a while. It would instantly take Utah out of the free agency sweepstakes next summer, but few expect Utah to get the big name free agent when their competition is any team with cap space and a beach.