NBA Trade Rumors: Utah Jazz can blow it up, Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler only untouchables
According to the latest sources, the Utah Jazz are expected to shake things up as they attempt to improve their chances of competing in the NBA Western Conference next season.
Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer claimed that only two players, Lauro Markkannen and Walker Kessler, are currently considered untouchables, with all the other players being available for prospective trades. The Jazz are in a comfortable position financially and have a number of assets that they can push to get further assets to invest.
The 25-year old Markkannen has been their highest scorer with 24.8 ppg, while rookie Walker Kessler has also shown signs of being a future superstar. This has left the likes of Jared Vanderbilt, Mike Conley, and Malik Beasley all available for a trade.
Jordan Clarkson, who has produced 21 points per game along with 4.3 assists and 3.9 rebounds, has a player option for next season after which he will also be a free agent.
It is clear that the Utah Jazz are now looking to rebuild for the future after coming close to winning the NBA title in the 2020-21 season, when they finished top of the Western Conference.
Over the last month with Mike Conley, Jordan Clarkson, Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler on the floor the Utah Jazz are +19.4 per 100 possessions
Offense: 124.8
Defense: 105.4
101 minutes played
Prior had played 18 minutes together
Utah Jazz looking to rebuild and will become sellers trade window
Apart from Lauri Markkanen and Kessler, only Ochai Agbaji has been said to be off limits in recent weeks. The 22-year old Agbaji has proven himself to be a viable 3-and-D player and is shooting at an impressive 37.6% from the 3-point zone in his first season.
He is also a tenacious defender and was widely considered to be one of the best defensive players in the 2022 NBA draft class.
Still, this does not mean that the Utah Jazz will only be looking to move players. Instead, they want to gain assets that they can use for the future. After trading both their All-Stars in the form of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, not many were expecting the team to be in contention for the Playoffs.
It’ll be a glorious tank for the Utah Jazz. This roster is so weak:
Conley / Clarkson / Butler
Sexton / Beasley / Agbaji
Bogdanovic / THT
Vanderbilt / Markkanen
Kessler / Gay
A ton of firsts plus swaps, more vets to deal, and a frontrunner in the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes.
However, they are still 10th in the Western Conference and a good run of results can easily push them to the Playoffs. A number of players have performed beyond expectations for the Utah Jazz this season and they have some good young players who can prove crucial to their future.
Hence, while the season might not be the most exciting, it should still lead to good results in the future.