Tony Jones: Utah Jazz showing interest in Mike Conley, Otto Porter Jr.

The Utah Jazz like being good, but they want to be great, reports Tony Jones of the Athletic. The Utah Jazz are showing a lot of interest in Memphis’ Mike Conley and Washington’s Otto Porter Jr.

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.

The reasoning for the older Mike Conley is that he’s a floor general and has developed into one of the better spot of shooters in the league. He would fit in the Jazz’s offense like George Hill did back during the Hayward-era.

Much of the league, or at least competitive teams, figure to be interested in Conley. He’s 31 years-old, but he remains one of the very best floor generals in the league. Offensively, he’s able to break teams down off the dribble and get to the basket. He’s developed into a good shooter from the perimeter, and even at an advanced age he remains a good defender. In relation to the Jazz, he could be a terrific third piece, one who fits well with Mitchell and Gobert, as an experienced guy who has been through multiple playoff wars and continues to play at a high level.

Otto Porter on the other hand would push Utah even further toward positionless basketball. A trade for him would move Exum or O’Neale into the starting lineup while making Utah a defensive monster with the ability to space out the floor.

Porter is someone who the Jazz have long had interest in. They flirted with making him an offer two summers ago in Gordon Hayward’s free agency. He’s a small forward who in today’s league can play multiple positions on both ends. He’s a terrific shooter from most spots, and much like Conley, he fits what the Jazz like to do on the floor and in the lockerroom.

You can read the rest of Tony Jones’ report here. You will need an Athletic subscription to read it. Who would you rather have? Otto Porter Jr. or Mike Conley?