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Crank up the Trade Machines!
Posted by: Jazzaholic on January 8th, 2013
The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of the Utah Jazz.We are about to enter one of the most interesting times of the year…The Trade Deadline.
Players have to be waived by the 8th in order to clear waivers by the 10th, otherwise the contracts will be guaranteed, and thus begins the official trading season. Things won’t really heat up until the week before the Feb 15-17 All-Star Weekend, where many face to face meetings can take place. Then it becomes frantic up until the Feb 21st deadline.
For 2013-14, not counting any free agents they may wish to retain, Atlanta has $21.5 million in salary committed, Utah has only $26.1 million, and Cleveland has $30.5 million. They may just sit tight waiting for the draft or free agency to make a move. Or, they could be right in the thick of things.
Utah’s expiring contracts are:
1. Jefferson $15m
2. Mo Williams $8.5m
3. Millsap $7.2m
4. Bell $3.48m
5. Foye $2.5m
6. Watson $2m
7. Tinsley $1.35m
Before you make suggestions, plug the players into a trade machine like:
http://basketball.realgm.com/tradechecker
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId
http://basketballmonster.com/tradeanalysis.aspx
Start with a player you’d like to get, then put yourself in the other guy’s shoes…who would you want from the Jazz?
Plug them in and see if it works.
Then, why wouldn’t one team or the other do the trade. That is, does it benefit BOTH teams?
Look for reasons for a trade and reasons NOT to do a trade.
There are too many/few players at a position. A player has been having problems with the Coach/GM/Owner. Rumors are circulating that a player wants to be/asked to be traded. Management wants him gone. A contract is too long or too big. A team is trying to get out of the luxury tax/under the cap.
Here’s Rumors links and good stats too:
http://hoopshype.com/rumors.htm
http://www.shamsports.com/
Now you’re ready to play GM! Give Dennis and Kevin some ideas they may not have thought of, a new slant or a different possibility.
How do you unload Toxic Raja?
Do you trade Millsap or Jefferson?
Do you trade for a point guard?
Remember, you’ve got to find a trade both teams might like. Just because you like a player, doesn’t mean they will trade him, without something extra thrown into the trade.
Draft picks have no value in the trade, but help even out the trade, so the other team is motivated to accept.
If a team already has the 15 maximum players, they usually won’t do a 1 for 2 trade, because they have to waive and pay one of their players, to make room for the extra player coming back.
An expiring contract is quite desirable, because most of his salary has been paid for the year, and you have his Bird rights, so you can resign him for more than the Mid Level Exemption, if you want to. On the other hand, if you are under the cap, why not just wait for him to be come an unrestricted free agent next summer?
So, crank up your trade machine, grab Dennis’ cell phone, and make your trade proposal.
David Locke said he’d review one trade machine proposal a day, so pump a few his direction.
Jazzaholic
Replies: 60
Views: 2542
60 Responses
Hahah no Jazzaholic, don’t encourage it! Don’t we get enough trade machine posts around here as it is??
I know one team in dire need of a center :p too bad their players are either overpayed or not good
Hahaha, I’ll bite. This is not very realistic, but what the heck the numbers work.
Celtics get: Cousins (3.9M; 2yr), Mo Williams (8.5M; 1yr), and Salmons (8.1M; 3yr)
TOTAL: 20.5
Kings get: Al (15M; 1yr), Bass (6M; 3yr); Fab Melo (1.3M 4yr); Utah Jazz 2013 first round pick; GSW 2013 first round pick
TOTAL: 24.5
Wizards get: F. Garcia (6.1M; 2yr); Watson (2M; 1yr); Bell (3.5M; lyr)
TOTAL: 11.6M (worked on NBA trade machine cuz they only gave up 13.5M to get 13M)
JAZZ GET: Okafor (13.5M; 2yr); I. Thomas (0.7M; 2yr); and….RONDO (11M; 3yr)
TOTAL: 25.3M
*12M Wiz.
http://basketball.realgm.com/tradechecker/saved_trade/6199764
My first one was trading Al for Walker and Thomas from the Bobcats. I really just wanted Walker and heard that they wanted to get rid of Thomas.
Honestly I would rather sit still and just let Jefferson walk if they can’t get a trade off that doesn’t take one of the C4. They have too much potential as a group to go away from it already. Unless something amazing comes across, I assume the FO thinks the same thing.
Again Jazz will not take Thomas with his bad contract..
The trade machine has to work, but BOTH teams need to want the deal too!
If you know it won’t work and has no chance, why propose it?
Jazzaholic
Most people thought that when Sap would not sign an extention he wanted to leave. By becoming a free agent he can look at all his options. Jazz will have his bird rights and can still make the better offer. And if he signs with another team will that guarentee he will start?? If that is the case he should want to stay with the Jazz. If Al is moved the three bigs can still average around thirty minutes a game each. My point is Sap would not start an any other team. He will always be a valuable comodity.
In any case I would try to ship Bell with. If they keep him past Mar 1st he cant be in the playoffs anyway so they would wave him.
Any other trade try to ship Watson/Tinsley or let them walk at seasons end.
Foye could go either way at most offer another one year contract for next year. If he fits into a trade so be it.
Carroll I would resign for another two years.
Mo depends on what trade or the draft brings. Maybe sign him to be the backup for two years at around the same salary.
AL trade him . I love Al but has a large salary and is still young enough to get a large contract. I also think that with any trade it would include signing an extention with his new team unless they want the salary relief.This is why a Bargs/Calderon AL/Bell trade would work. Jazz would have Calderon bird rights if he is the point they want. Bargs would be a bench option and by not being “the man” could help him become better.
Sap would be the same way would have to sign an extention with his new team then there would be no guarantee he would start on that new team.He could do no better on another team.
MA Williams has a early termination. This one will be up in the air as to how he preforms the rest of the year.
I would hope that Bell and AL would be the ones move for a starting calaber point guard. Let’s see what the Jazz look like on Feb 22nd..
I usually try and stay away from the trade speculation but considering the urgent need for a PG over the next few weeks in what should be a lot of games at home that could make or break the Jazz season I’m going to suggest a trade of my own.
I would send Al Jefferson and Raja Bell to Toronto for Calderon and Kleiza. We exchange $18.48 million for $15.16. They can have the big guy that scores and we get our much needed PG coverage at least until the end of the season. We get to dump Raja Bell’s contract for someone who at least can play backup minutes. According to the trade machine Toronto would get two extra wins and the Jazz would lose two more games. However the trade machine doesn’t take in to account our urgent need to have a PG in Mo Williams absense. We would also be able to give Favors and Kanter extra minutes on the floor, and with the ball not being stuck in Al’s hands we should also be able to see more of what Marvin and Gordon can do. Crucial if are going to know whether we should take Marvin up on his contract option.
Making a trade balance in terms on money and value isnt easy, but good fun. My attempt,
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=ausuho8
@Lk How bad is thomas’ contract?
He is owed about 17.5 Mill total after this season.There again he was supposed to be a pretty good ball player. Maybe a trade would wake him up and he would be a gem..If Bobcats would take AL, Bell, Watson for Walker, Thomas maybe Pick they would take that.
I see where Lindsey was interviewed and said the Jazz were not looking to trade anyone. Said he liked the team as is. Poker face bluff or real??
That’s like Corbin critising the defence of favors while praising Jefferson’s experience. Trades are going to be examined but Lindsey doesn’t want players getting wind of it and not giving their all for the team in the meantime.
NBA PM: Utah Jazz Standing Pat?
By Alex Kennedy
NBA Writer
“The Utah Jazz was expected to be one of the most active teams in the league as the trade deadline approaches. With Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson set to become unrestricted free agents after the season and with Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter seemingly ready to replace them, there was some talk that Utah may move one or both of their veteran big men before the trade deadline on February 21.
However, the Jazz may stand pat at the deadline and try to fight for one of the final playoff spots in the Western Conference. Trading Millsap and Jefferson would start a youth movement in Utah, and the Jazz may not be ready to make that kind of change just yet. After being swept by the San Antonio Spurs in last year’s postseason, the Jazz would like to return to the playoffs and see if they can have more success this time around.
While everyone is assuming that Utah will make a move, Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey recently spoke to HOOPSWORLD at the D-League Showcase in Reno and he seems satisfied with his team.
“We’re competitive,” Lindsey told HOOPSWORLD. “We’re competitive. We’ve had a couple of injuries that have set us back and we’re starting to understand our level without Mo Williams since we’ll be without Mo for a couple of weeks. But we are pleased with the results so far.”
Lindsey also made it clear that the Jazz aren’t looking to add any free agents or call up anyone from the D-League. He’s in Reno to support the team’s second-round pick Kevin Murphy, not to make a call-up.
“No, we’re here more for Kevin,” Lindsey said when asked if he would add any of the D-League players at the Showcase. “We are here to evaluate. We constantly update our emergency list just in case something happens, but we have 15 players under contract and we’re happy with our guys.”
Lindsey admits that “every club is a little different” in how they use the D-League and events like the Showcase, but he made it clear that he’s evaluating the players for future reference and that he’s looking more for a specialist than anything else.
“If guys approach this where they don’t eliminate themselves – that starts with running hard, cutting hard, screening hard, knowing the defensive game plan and not getting outside of your game – if you start there, then your skills come out and you can show a little bit of what you can do,” Lindsey said. “In all likelihood, if you’re a primary player that a D-League team is playing through, that may not be your role when you move up to the NBA level.”
Lindsey describes the D-League as having “a great deal” of benefit for the Jazz, especially since they are using their affiliate – the Reno Bighorns – to develop Murphy.
“We have Kevin Murphy assigned here and Reno has been a very good program to work with,” Lindsey said. “We appreciate their patience with Kevin. One of the things that we’ve really tried to harp on with Kevin is that it’s not so much about numbers or production, but more so approach to the game. We’ve been very pleased with his effort and approach, and how he has played.”
There have been plenty of rumors and speculation about what the Jazz may do, but at the end of the day, Lindsey may decide not to make any moves and stick with the roster as currently constructed.”
Al Jefferson and Raja Bell to Toronto for Calderon and Kleiza works, but they really want to dump Bargs and probably link Calderon and Bargs. Also, will the Jazz take Kleiza’s second $4.6m year?
I think it makes sense for both teams, if they can dump Bargs and the Jazz add Jamaal or Earl, for their point guard needs.
Dean: This is “good fun”, no way it ever happens, for too many reasons to list. http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=ausuho8
Tyrus Thomas
$8,000,000
$8,694,215
$9,388,430
See above for the interview, but because they are at 15 guaranteed contracts, not looking to add anyone, unless they can dump some toxic waste.
The Jazz always have been very tight lipped. If you’re hearing about it, it’s probably already been turned down or it’s gone through.
Jazzaholic
Which teams are also likely to be active?? Sac-Sea, Washington, Milwaukee, Utah, PHX, ???
I wouldn’t do the trade for Bargs just to get an expiring Calderon. Jose is the player that would make the difference for this team at this moment that would make it worth taking on kleiza contract. Bargs contract would be too high a price to pay.
I’m new here and thought I’d throw out this that I’ve thought about a couple times.
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=b4t4fqk
Sac-Sea with the sale, will there be anyone around to make a trade?
Washington, Milwaukee, Utah, PHX all should be. Toxic Raja if nothing else for the Jazz.
You can also go after Calderon in the FA market July 1st. Plenty of cap space.
Dirty Dirk for Al/Paul probably makes sense for both teams, but his $21m kills the Jazz cap space and El Cubano has pretty much pledged to keep him for another 40 years.
I’d rather see younger players/picks, but Dirk would fit in, with 2 of the 4 player log jam gone. So, no it doesn’t happen, but makes both teams pause to evaluate.
Jazzaholic
Yeah I figured the trade wouldn’t work for the same reasons. He does seem like one of the best fits for the 2 bigs for 1 trade as he would really spread the floor for our other interior guys (favors, kanter), but I would also worry about his health. Dallas would definitely be players in the coming free agency with that trade as well.
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine
You’re welcome, jazz fans.
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=aqsjhpm. *
David Baumann: “no knock on dwight, i just won’t trade dirk,” Mark Cuban wrote to me in response to a Dwight-4-Dirk (+long term assurance) hypothetical.”
John: Great trade! All of KOC’s hard work undone.
Jazzaholic
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=at2qoxo
I know giving up Hayward is tough for some of you, but Derozan is better I promise.
Utah Toronto Minnesota trade.
I don’t think Minnesota will accept unless we send them the gsw 1 pick for this year.
Thoughts?
Never happen, because Love probably won’t even be playing before the trade deadline and there’s NO WAY they trade Boy Wonder, the G-Man, Commissioner Gordon. You would trade a player currently shooting way over 50% from 3 on a rookie contract?
Also, Love is a core player for MN, despite his comments earlier this year.
Now if it was basically Al + 2 draft picks for Love, yes.
Jazzaholic
According to espn, Gordon is only .417 from 3 this year and .397 for his career…. The truth is, Gordon is just not as golden as everyone thinks. Don’t get me wrong, he is an amazing basketball player but i really only see his cap as a starter in the league, not an all-star like many of us jazz fans believe. Thanks for the info about Love by the way.
He has had some ups and downs on his 3s, 40+% is among the best in the league and he’s only in his 3rd year. He’s something unreal, like 70-80% for the last month. I think he was 4/5 last night. His defense is top notch. He may not ever be an All-Star or a max player, but he certainly fits a niche, which every team is seeking.
He has too many TOs, but his passing and ball handling is very nice. It’s only his 3rd year, way too early to give up and trade him.
I think most people are as impressed as I am and the Jazz FO and coaching staff seem to agree.
Jazzaholic
Jazzaholic, i do agree with you on Hayward, however considering what we all think about the coaching staff and FO at the moment, I wouldnt be using their thoughts to defend any argument
Injuries are again forcing Ty to play the kids, who again are showing their ability. However, Ty is starting to make a few situational substitutions, which is better. I have been very critical of Ty in the past, but I think he’s making small improvements.
KOC has really done quite well. There’s always room for improvement, but compared to other GMs he’s among the top tier.
Dennis has not done or missed doing anything yet. It’s too early to call, but Houston and especially San Antonio have been among the best on draft picks, so I have confidence in him.
My point was, there isn’t a hint they are anything but pleased with Gordon and his progress.
Jazzaholic
“They are also pretty much unanimous that Cousins, despite his three suspensions just this season and occasionally toxic personality, is off-limits right now, barring a blow-your-mind offer that isn’t coming — and can’t really come, anyway, since Cousins makes only $3.88 million this season. Teams over the cap wishing to take in Cousins’s salary would have to send out a similar amount, and a salary at that level on its own will not bring a fair talent return for Sacramento. It’s possible for Sacramento to add another player to a Cousins package to beef up the outgoing salary, but going that route entails either taking on considerable long-term money, dumping everything for a big expiring contract, or building a three- or four-team deal to send some of that salary elsewhere — all things that require ownership input.” Grantland
Jazzaholic:
Lots of teams making space for possible trades.
Do you see the Jazz making a trade for any of their 7 expiring contracts or just letting them expire to shop the FA market next summer.
Will the Jazz be able to unload Toxic Raja?
Steve Kyler:
No on Raja… he won’t agree to a buyout, until he has another deal lined up. So Utah will have to either pay him out or cut him.
I think the Jazz have to do something at the trade deadline, but I am not sure its going to be what everyone is expecting. Having flexibility in the new NBA is important.”
Great comments as always, Jassaholic. I think that the Jazz are going to try to keep their salaries low with young contracts ala the draft so that they can resign their core four. I don’t see them trading for a high salary player.
Flexibility is highly valued in the new NBA (CBA), as demonstrated by not only the Jazz, but El Cubano and other teams as well.
Dangle draft picks, team options or expiring contracts for longer/higher contracts or undesirable personalities and watch them drool.
If Marvin had a TO instead of a PO contract and was healthy, he’d be the ultimate trade chip.
And, I agree with you. It’s highly probable that the Jazz do nothing, wait until Mar 1st to waive (and to punish) Toxic Raja, then if nothing comes up at the draft, see which of their own FAs they want to resign.
They will hold Bird Rights on them and won’t have to use any of their exemptions to resign their own players. Because they’ll be, without cap holds, as much as $30m under the cap, they can go after other FAs too.
I think you’ll see more and more teams signing players to 1 year or 1 year with TO deals, than in the past, to retain that flexibility and tradeable assets in the future.
Jazzaholic
Boston looking to move Pierce, a 4 team trade with Chicago, Sacramento/Seattle, and Utah
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=analuc9
Jist of it Pierce goes to Chicago help contend this year and next give them an additional scoring threat next to Rose.
Rondo and Deng come to Utah,
Boston retools and gets Millsap and Cousins
and Sacramento gets Jefferson and some other pieces
takes a little altering but it can work, throw in a draft pic for Sacramento to sweetin the deal?
OR
Miami has to break up the big 3, and rumors speculate bosh being the third wheel
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=cawcacr
Cousins is on rookie contract and does not make enough to get anything decient back.
Jordan Hill out for season. Laker fortune just keeps on going.. Bell/Watson for Darius Morris, pick..
I really like the idea of trying to get Chris Bosh and a pick and roll PG.
In – Chris Bosh and Brandon Jennings
Out – Jefferson, Milsap
Miami gets cap relief and Jefferson is primary bench scorer. Bucks get some needed muscle and free up PG glut.
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=b5xx77l
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=d9q4nhn
For me this trade makes the most sense for me, the jazz riddled with injured mo Williams, can receive their true point guard in Jrue Holiday who is 4th in assists in the nba, and he put up 30 points against the rockets yesterday he could be a star in Utah given the right minutes, and a new coach. we would also recieves Thaddeus Young who has proven to be a force, he could be a real in depth starter for the jazz at the small forward position.
Milwaukee receives Jefferson who are desperate for a true post player, Jefferson is a pure center who will help the bucks greatly, plus monta Ellis does not work with their system, and he is most likely to opt out of his contract next season.
Than Philadelphia recieves monta Ellis who I think will fit in perfect for the sixers, first of all he doesn’t need to play the 2 he can play the point with holiday gone, and he’s proven to be an excellent passer, and clutch shooter, he’d get more opportunities and once Andrew Bynum comes back they could be a real force in the NBA
The Boston “looking to move Pierce, a 4 team trade with Chicago, Sacramento/Seattle, and Utah” trade is very interesting.
I would think Utah would like it. They dump Toxic Waste, pick up 3 nice players. Would they want to take on the contracts and extra years, giving up 2 years of flexibility?
Chicago gets under the luxury tax. SAC gets rid of a headache + a contract and has Big Als Bird Rights to try to resign him. Boston trades 2, officially starts rebuilding, but gets back 4. That’s an extra cost for them to waive and pay players, but they have been very willing to spend in the past.
I like it. Walk down to the “cheap seats” behind the Jazz bench on Mon and see if Dennis and Kevin like it.
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I just can’t see Miami breaking up a championship team this year.
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Bell/Watson for Darius Morris. Plug your trades into a trade machine first to see even if they will work.
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In – Chris Bosh and Brandon Jennings
Out – Jefferson, Milsap
Jazz say no. Bosh is waaaay overpaid in todays NBA.
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Young/Holiday for Big Al. Jazz yes. PHI no, they want their young players for the future and not Monta. Bucks yes, they have no coach and are probably not want to go long term with Monta and have Al’s bird rights to resign.
Nice ideas!
Jazzaholic
NBA Sunday: Al Jefferson Not Bracing For Trade
By Lang Greene
NBA Writer
“The Utah Jazz feature one of the deepest frontcourts in the entire league headlined by veterans Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap and supported off the bench by former lottery picks Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter.
Both Jefferson and Millsap will be unrestricted free agents this summer and the presence of those two talented young big men behind them, waiting for their opportunity to take on a larger role, has led to the two veterans hearing their names in a plethora of trade rumors over the last few months.
Jefferson serves as the Jazz’s leading scorer (17.2) and rebounder (9.8) and will earn $15 million this season. The ninth year veteran is fully expected to be near the top of the upcoming free agent class for centers along with Los Angeles Lakers star Dwight Howard.
However, that hasn’t stopped Jefferson’s name from surfacing in the daily trade rumor mill since potentially losing an All-Star caliber talent in free agency without receiving any assets in return is a huge risk – a risk most franchises don’t take.
The ninth year veteran center says being mentioned in trade reports doesn’t bother him much nowadays compared to years past and he doesn’t expect to be dealt at this year’s trade deadline.
“It’s my ninth year in the league man,” Jefferson said to HOOPSWORLD regarding the trade rumors. “It’s just part of the business. My first couple of years in the league I used to be listening to the rumors daily and then I’d hear my name in those types of trade rumors. But this is my ninth year and its part of the business. There are things you’re just going to have to deal with. It’s just like you say they’re rumors, you know, so that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re going to be true. It’s a part of the game.”
The Jazz reached the playoffs last season with Jefferson as the franchise’s centerpiece, a trip many pundits believed the center couldn’t produce. This season, Utah currently sits ninth in the Western Conference standings, less than two games back for the last playoff spot.
While Jefferson’s future in Utah past this season remains up in the air, the veteran makes it clear that playing in Utah and finishing what he’s helped build over the past few seasons is at the top of his future priority list.
“The great thing about Utah’s crowd is that they’re not just there to watch basketball, they know basketball,” Jefferson said about his joy playing in Utah. “They’re on you if they know you’re supposed to be doing something that you’re not doing, but they truly support you. It’s a great feeling playing for them. It is good to play in front of people who know the game of basketball, who knows you’re not superman, can do everything or make every shot. Utah fans just want you to play hard and that’s something you can do, something you can control. It’s great playing in front of them.”
The Jazz currently have $26 million in salary commitments on the books for next season and will have over $30 million in cap space available. Forward Marvin Williams has an early termination option worth $7.5 million and if the veteran decides to exercise this option the team will have even more room to work the free agency and trade markets.
The Jazz have eight players, not including Williams, on the roster who will be free agents next summer with Jefferson, Millsap, Mo Williams, Raja Bell, Randy Foye, Earl Watson, Jamaal Tinsley and Kevin Murphy all expiring at season’s end.”
NBA Sunday: Maybe Jazz Shouldn’t Trade Big Men
By Lang Greene
NBA Writer
“In today’s NBA, talented big men come at a costly premium and the Utah Jazz are fortunate enough to possess four guys in Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap, Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter who are highly coveted throughout the league.
But, how long the Jazz continue to ride it out with those frontcourt pieces remains an intriguing mystery as the quartet has been the subject of rampant trade rumors over the past two seasons. Most observers continue to believe that the franchise will eventually be required to make a deal involving the talented frontcourt in order to shore up other areas of the roster.
However breaking up the interior strength of the roster may not be the best move for the Jazz as most teams in the Western Conference possess talented frontcourts. The Memphis Grizzlies rely on Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol in the paint, the Los Angeles Clippers have one of the league’s most athletic duos in Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, while the Los Angeles Lakers boast two future Hall of Famers in Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol in the middle.
Count third year forward Derrick Favors amongst the minority who feels the Jazz shouldn’t make any moves to shakeup the frontcourt. Favors believes the Jazz’s depth on the interior will play an important role, especially come playoff time.
“It’s important because there are a lot of good bigs in the Western Conference,” Favors told HOOPSWORLD on the need to keep the group together. “[Depth] is a big thing to have. You can go Al to Paul and then come off the bench with me and Enes and you don’t lose any production, so that’s a good thing to have.”
Jefferson and Millsap will both be unrestricted free agents next summer who will command top dollar on the open market, while Favors can potentially become a restricted free agent at the end of next season and is also expected to be in high demand. Potentially losing two talents such as Jefferson and Millsap in free agency without any assets in return has sparked many to believe the Jazz will seek a deal to bring in more pieces.
The Jazz currently have $26 million in salary commitments on the books for the 2013-14 season and will have over $30 million in cap space available. Forward Marvin Williams has an early termination option worth $7.5 million and if the veteran decides to exercise this option the team will have even more room to work the free agency and trade markets.
But for now, Favors is focusing on the Jazz’s prospects on the court this season and not worrying about the future. The former Georgia Tech product believes the Jazz are a definite playoff team this season and also feels the club can eventually claw their way into the conversation of the league’s elite with more discipline and hard work.
“We’re a playoff team,” Favors said confidently. “You don’t want to think of yourself as a lottery team. We think we’re a playoff team and sometimes we play like it and sometimes we don’t. We just have to figure that part out, but I think we’re a playoff team.
“We’re ready to be considered one of the elite teams in the West. We just have to continue to work hard and keep improving.”
@jazzaholic, just leave me a “cheap seat” ticket at will call would ya;-)
in the new NBA flexibility is king, but in this market you need certainty. All stars are not flocking to Utah anytime soon, and any FA you do bring in is on par with Howard, Foye, toxic waste, etc.. So flexibility might be nice it really doesn’t help this team.
how about this trade
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=9weok88
milsap can still be a part of a PG deal then we would have favors/kanter/horford trio that I think will be great defensively over the next 3-4 years. Horford has 12m/yr for 3 more years. This will help atlanta to score more and give bird rights.
I’m looking to trade my (real) cheap seat for one behind the bench too. Then I can kibitz Ty and get under the Refs skin.
Each year FAs are overpaid, underpaid and left hanging. There’s always some talent out there. So, flexibility at least gives you the option. If NYC, MIA, CHI and LAL are all in the luxury tax, which they will be, there are 26 other “less desirable” franchises, pretty much on an even footing. Being $30m-$34m under the cap means you can be very competitive. Howard and Paul aside, because LAL and LAC hold their Bird Rights, Utah has as good, or better chance of landing other FAs, because they can pay up to the max allowed, so now it’s down to 3 teams. Do you like the odds better now?
Essentially, Horford for Jefferson, ATL may want to dump more salary and Horford has 3 more years, so maybe. Jazz would wait and take their chances at resigning Al when he becomes a FA, instead of the trade. I would think this would be a place to add some Toxic Waste, which works too.
Jazzaholic
IF the jazz dont trade and have all this money coming off the books who will they pursue next year? Big name people wont come to utah like DHoward CPaul or ABynum. So who do the Jazz want in the free agent market that will make them better next year?
Biggest problem is trying to pry some of these players away from their teams. Not gonna work…
PHI has Bynum’s Bird Rights and can outbid any other team. LAL, LAC, CHI, NYN, BRK, MIA are all in the luxury tax. Do you think he’ll sign for a vet min with them?
Paul and Howard are staying put anyway.
The new CBA is designed to punish tax payers and favor home teams, to resign their player. Unless the player/team have problems, like Harden/financial, it’s unusual to take a pay cut and change.
The Jazz have the inside track on two hot FAs, Millsap and Jefferson. If they want one of them back, they can get him.
Don’t look for miracles, but the Jazz do have some advantages with a young core of players and cap space.
Jazzaholic
Bosh is overpaid but we need to sign and pay somebody – name another All-Star we can get that fits our team ?
Bosh is not available, has 3 more years yet, he’d have to be a trade. The Jazz would probably prefer to resign either Paul or Al for a reasonable amount, than Bosh.
2012 All-Stars
G Chris Paul Los Angeles Clippers 5th
G Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers 14th
F Kevin Durant Oklahoma City Thunder 3rd
F Blake Griffin Los Angeles Clippers 2nd
C Andrew Bynum Los Angeles Lakers 1st
Reserves
F LaMarcus Aldridge Portland Trail Blazers
C Marc Gasol Memphis Grizzlies 1st —
F Kevin Love Minnesota Timberwolves 2nd —
G Steve Nash Phoenix Suns 8th —
F Dirk Nowitzki Dallas Mavericks 11th —
G Tony Parker San Antonio Spurs 4th —
G Russell Westbrook Oklahoma City Thunder
G Derrick Rose Chicago Bulls 3rd
G Dwyane Wade Miami Heat 8th
F LeBron James Miami Heat 8th
F Carmelo Anthony New York Knicks 5th
C Dwight Howard Orlando Magic 6th
Reserves
F Chris Bosh Miami Heat 7th —
F Luol Deng Chicago Bulls 1st —
C Roy Hibbert Indiana Pacers 1st —
F Andre Iguodala Philadelphia 76ers 1st —
G Joe JohnsonINJ Atlanta Hawks 6th —
F Paul Pierce Boston Celtics 10th —
G Rajon RondoREP Boston Celtics 3rd —
G Deron Williams New Jersey Nets 3rd —
I think only Paul, Howard (both to remain) and Bynum are UFAs and PHI will try to resign Bynum with Bird Rights. He’s targeting after the All-Star break to return.
So, I can’t see any of last years All-Stars available as UFAs. No one is tying to trade any of them either. Pau and Gay were not All-Stars, but are about as close as you’ll get.
I think this year will end up retaining the Core4, JD and Pogo. Marvin probably doesn’t opt out. The Jazz may develop an All-Star out of the Core4, but when you go through the list, almost all the All-Stars were drafted and developed with the same team. It’s been playing very bad, getting very lucky in the lottery and then lucky/smart again with the pick, in the right year.
Jazzaholic
Not a very satisfying answer, but I don’t think the Jazz will or should overpay or take on long, bad contracts.
Over and over again, we see the high priced player go down with injuries, stop playing with the new deal (retire early – with pay), or have the team play better when they are traded (Denver, GSW, ATL).
There are lots of talented players ready to play at a high level, if given the chance (Matthews, Linsanity).
So, hold on tight. The Jazz are at least on the upswing and have a future, with the flexibility to jump on good deals.
Jazzaholic
Who is JD?? Murph will be on a second year non-guarantee. I think Sap will be back also. Still would like to trade for Matthews. Think his heart is still in Utah.. I know this will clog up the two spot but he is also a swing man and I think Burks can play three positions also. What about Carroll??
JD = Junkyard Dog.
Love to watch him.
AKA DeMarre Carroll.
The best value on the team.
I hope they keep him next year.
Jazzaholic
Maybe you shouldn’t trade anyone, if you can beat the Heat, Lakers and Spurs?
Jazzaholic
Can you beat those teams best out of 7? Better yet can you beat OKC or Clippers once?
You’re jumping the gun on championship level. Right now, they’ll be fortunate to just make the playoffs, let alone home court.
There are 13 teams around .400-.600 and no magic bullet to turn them into a .700 team. There are 29 other teams trying to get better too.
Savor the good times, like a win over the Heat.
That special player is more likely to come from a draft pick/development. Perhaps one of the Core4.
It’s a combination of luck, skill and opportunity.
Jazzaholic
Nikola Pekovic RFA and JJ Hickson UFA, will be in high demand. The Wolves and Blazers my find it difficult to retain them financially, next summer, thanks to the new CBA kicking in, a la, Harden last summer.
I think these are the types of players you look for to evolve into a possible All-Star. If their teams realize they won’t be able to retain them, they may be open for a trade or just sign them off the free agent market next summer.
Jazzaholic
NBA AM: NBA Trade Market Update
By Steve Kyler
Managing NBA Editor & Publisher
“Counting Down To The Trade Deadline: The 2013 NBA Trade Deadline is just 37 days away and while most NBA teams have done the courtesy call to see what’s out there, several teams are actively trying to make a few deals.There are some players in play that could very well end up on another teams within the next month, if the return in value is right.
Here are the ones being talked about the most in NBA circles.
Rudy Gay, Memphis
17.8ppg 2.5apg 5.7rpg 15.01 PER
As Bill Ingram covered yesterday in the NBA PM, no name in the NBA gets talked about more than Memphis’ Rudy Gay.
There are a couple of misconceptions about Memphis’ stance. First, the Grizzlies are not looking to dump Gay. Second, the Grizzlies want to improve in the West not take a colossal steps backwards.
There is no doubting that the Grizz would like to avoid being a luxury tax payer, and if moving Gay helps them to that, they are open to the idea as long as it returns real value.
Gay represents 17 points and five rebounds per game to the Grizzlies. While the dynamics of Gay’s game are far greater than his production, the Grizzlies know they can find those points and rebounds in other places and for a price tag far cheaper than the $16 million owed to Gay.
Factor in that he has never been in love with Memphis, the Grizzlies see him as the chip to cash.
That said, what’s coming back to Memphis in terms of trade offers isn’t necessary exciting, at least not yet. There is a sense that Memphis may hold the line this year and look at moving or cashing Gay out around the draft when teams can and often will offer more value.
The Grizzlies see themselves as contenders in the West this year and any Gay deal would have to keep them there and solve some of their other roster issues. Poaching Gay for cast off parts or a bunch of ending contracts isn’t going to get it done, unless those ending contract make the Grizzlies better.
Sources close to the Grizzlies have been adamant that they are not having a fire sale and core guys like Zach Randolph, Gay and Marc Gasol are not being considered in deals unless it makes the team better.
The Grizzlies have $74.15 million in salary commitments and have until February 21st to get that number under the $70.307 million luxury tax line.
The Grizz can find better ways to trim $3.84 million in salary than dumping Gay for garbage, so don’t expect them to move him unless it’s a deal that favors their goal of competing in the West this year.
DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento
17.6ppg 10.2rpg 0.6bpg 21.59 PER
With the Sacramento Kings on the verge of being sold to a Seattle ownership group, league sources say the Kings are frozen in terms of making deals.
It’s not out of the question to see that changing before the trade deadline. However, sources have been pretty adamant that nothing is really going on with the Kings because of all the uncertainties surrounding the club.
There was a real push for DeMarcus Cousins when the team suspended him a few weeks ago. However, the Kings didn’t engage anything then and are not engaging anyone now.
There has been some talk of a Tyreke Evans deal, but sources say the same uncertainties that are road blocking any meaningful discussions on Cousins are doing the same with anyone on the Kings’ roster.
In the NBA its sometimes joked that a team is “Open For Business” when they are actively talking calls and considering deals. The Kings seem to be “Closed. Pending Relocation”
It’s not out of the question that things in Sacramento get some clarity in the next few weeks, but for now, it seems like gridlocked is an understatement.
Pau Gasol, LA Lakers
12.2ppg 8.4rpg 1.4bpg 14.63 PER
Not much has changed with the Lakers and Pau Gasol; he is still recovering from a nasty concussion and could make his return in the coming days.
On the trade front the Lakers just are not engaged in anything. There are still some teams with interest in Gasol mainly because there is a belief he could be had on the cheap side in terms of what it would take to get him out of LA.
Lakers sources have said for weeks that based on what’s been offered, moving Gasol isn’t going to happen mainly because nothing out there makes the team better.
There is a real concern that change is the last thing the Lakers need and that with the team still outside the playoff picture creating anymore chaos could derail the season.
There are a couple of things to consider on this front. If the Lakers fall out of the playoff hunt before the deadline, it’s safe to say massive changes will be considered. But, as long as the offers for Gasol remain low and the team continues to show signs of life, don’t expect much from the Lakers if anything at all.
The major changes with the Lakers will come during the offseason, when the Lakers roster will allow them to take on additional players and not have to eat contracts as they’d have to do now.
There is also a sense that as Gasol enters his final contract year his value will go up, especially if the Lakers can find a way to get him back to playing well.
J.J. Redick, Orlando
14.6ppg 4.5apg 2.3rpg 16.03 PER
The Magic have been fact finding for most of the season. So there isn’t really anything going on that they have not been considering for a while.
J.J. Redick is the name most teams call about; however, there is interest in Jameer Nelson and Arron Afflalo according to league sources.
The Magic are sitting on a $17 million Traded Player Exception, which has gotten them involved in several complex situations. Nothing is close with the Magic and anything they’ll do is likely going to drop at or near the trade deadline.
Redick is an ending contract and there is a real belief that if Orlando doesn’t come with serious money and years, that Redick will walk to a contender.
For Redick’s part he has tried to put everyone at ease saying all the right things about wanting to stay, but if there is a catalyst piece that helps Orlando make some bigger moves its likely him.
There are two contracts the Magic would love to package in with any deal they make and that’s Glen Davis and Hedo Turkoglu. Neither is overly attractive, but one or both could be the cost of doing business, especially for a team that wants Reddick or a team that wants to use Orlando’s TPE to facilitate a bigger deal.
The Magic have been linked to the Memphis Grizzlies and Rudy Gay, although, it’s looking like Orlando’s involvement might not be to keep Gay for themselves, but rather move him on for assets that fit their long-term plan a little better.
Anderson Varejao, Cleveland
14.1ppg 14.4rpg 0.6bpg 22.03 PER
Varejao underwent surgery to repair a split muscle in his quad and is expected to be out until well past the trade deadline.
The Cavs were not overly interested in trade Varejao, however, a number of teams expressed interest and there is a reality to the business side of the NBA. If you’re not winning, you’re re-building and the Cavs and their fans are growing impatient with the learning curve.
It’s not out of the questions that Varejao gets traded at the deadline, even with the injury. Word is the surgery went well and a full recovery is expected.
The question is what’s the return on an injured double-double machine?
The Golden State Warriors traded a ton for Andrew Bogut, who is still battling injuries, so it’s not out of the question that a team makes a play for Varejao. The problem is the return may be too low because of the risks involved in taking a player who may not pass a physical at the time of the deal.
Verajoa is expected back in March and for a team with postseason goals in clear view, the reward may be far greater than the risk in some teams eyes, so don’t rule Varejao off the market just yet.
Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee
18.5ppg 5.9apg 3.7rpg 17.47 PER
Teams have been calling the Milwaukee Bucks; however, they don’t seem overly interested in moving the players calling teams have interest in. There is a real market for Brandon Jennings and for Monta Ellis, but the players the Bucks would like to move – Drew Gooden, Samuel Dalembert and Beno Udrih – just are not that attractive.
The Bucks have made it clear they will match whatever is offered to Jennings in restricted free agency, but Ellis is unrestricted and can walk wherever he’d like to play next season.
As the deadline gets closer, there is a sense in NBA circles that a team willing to take Milwaukee’s luggage might be able to pry away Monta Ellis, but Jennings may be off the table completely.
The Bucks have talked a lot about their pending flexibility in free agency so dumping the rest of their unwanted contracts seems to be a priority.
Al Jefferson, Utah
17.4ppg 9.8rpg 1.1bpg 20.90 PER
The Jazz have two core pieces that are heading towards free agency in July and of the two Al Jefferson seems to be the piece the Jazz have the best chance at retaining.
Teams have been calling about both Jefferson and forward Paul Millsap. Both players have value and both players have a real market; the question is will Utah pull the trigger?
New Jazz GM Dennis Lindsey keeps things very close to the vest so when a deal involving either drops, it may come out of left field.
League sources say there just isn’t a sense of where Utah is going to go, but that keeping Jefferson even through free agency is more likely than retaining Millsap.
Jefferson can earn far more from Utah and there is a sense that free agency may not be very good to him, unlike Millsap who will have teams tripping over themselves to get at him. Factor in that Utah has Derrick Favors biting at the bit for more minutes and opportunity, the Utah player like traded may be Millsap with Jefferson being the player they retain.
It is not out of the question that both players are dealt, especially if it return a star level player to Utah. But, if the deals are simply upside pieces, Utah may sit out the market, as the cap space both Millsap and Jefferson can clear might be worth more than the luggage being tossed around as trade bait.
Eric Gordon, New Orleans
16.6ppg 3.9apg 1.9rpg 14.89 PER
Gordon has played in eight games for the Hornets so far this season, one less than he did in the entire lockout shortened season last year. In that span the Hornets have won five of those eight games and the complexion of the team is radically improved.
The Hornets say they matched Gordon’s contract to keep him. He says he wants to be the leader of the team and Hornets player after Hornets player raves about his impact and influence on the team.
Factor in that Gordon has the right to veto any trade for the first year of his contract, a trade involving him just doesn’t seem to be in the cards.
Gordon has gone out of his way to ingratiate himself to the Hornets organization, buying Panera Bread breakfast last week for the entire organization, every staff member at three different locations. At the time he said he wanted to illustrate his belief in the team and thank them for their support.
There is no doubting that Gordon has trade value. There is no doubting that New Orleans isn’t going anywhere this year, but the word from the very top in New Orleans is they like this squad, so a deal to rip it apart will have to be a doozie.
If the Hornets do a Gordon deal it would be surprising, especially considering Gordon’s value only increases if he can finish the season strong and his trade restriction is lifted in the summer so the Hornets can pick their deal on their terms.
Andrea Bargnani, Toronto
16.0ppg 4.3rpg 0.7bpg 12.43 PER
The Toronto Raptors want to trade Andrea Bargnani, so that’s likely going to happen. The question remains what do they get back for him and who takes on his contract?
A small survey of league executives showed very little upside to Bargnani, but at the same time he is still a player some teams think highly of. His current injury, his work ethic and his lackadaisical approach are huge red flags that will impact value, but there is a sense that a couple of teams would take the chance on Bargnani if the price were right.
So here is the game of it, how long does Toronto hold on to him before they blink and part ways? The other question is what do the Raptors do with Jose Calderon?
Combined, both players represent a huge chunk of salary changing hands and the return even at “discounted prices” could yield a lot.
There is no doubt that Toronto is being aggressive in the marketplace, the question is what will they get back for Bargnani and can he get back on the court before the trade deadline and prove concerns about his health wrong.
DeJuan Blair, San Antonio
5.2ppg 3.9rpg 0.1bpg 13.82 PER
The San Antonio Spurs will be dealing DeJuan Blair. They tried unsuccessfully to move him to Miami around the draft last year and they are actively looking for situations involving him now.
There are a couple of negative factors for the Spurs.
Blair doesn’t make much by NBA standards. He’s owed roughly $1 million this season, which means the most the Spurs can take back is a salary is in the $1.5 million range.
Blair will also be an unrestricted free agent in July, meaning whoever trades for him could lose him for nothing in July. It is hard to give up a first round draft pick in that scenario.
The Spurs are looking and talking, but it’s safe to say Blair will be elsewhere after the trade deadline and unfortunately San Antonio may not get much for their troubles.
Derrick Williams, Minnesota
9.0ppg 4.3rpg 0.5bpg 15.39 PER
There has been a lot of talk lately about the Wolves trading Derrick Williams, however, with Kevin Love out for basically ten weeks due to a broken hand, the odds that Williams is even considered in a deal are slim.
Williams has played fairly well as of late, mainly due to a more predictable role and routine.
One league source joked that if Williams continues to play this way, the odd man out might be the often disgruntled Love.
It’s doubtful that the Wolves trigger a deal with Williams or the injured Love for that matter, but it will be an interesting situation to watch especially if the Wolves can crack the playoffs without Love.
The Wolves are actively engaged in the trade market, so a deal involving Williams isn’t crazy, it just seems unlikely at this point.
Marcin Gortat, Phoenix
11.7ppg 9.1rpg 1.9bpg 16.90 PER
The Phoenix Suns are going nowhere fast and they are actively looking at ways to right their ship. The Suns have talked to Memphis regarding Rudy Gay, and there have been several teams calling the Suns regarding Marcin Gortat.
The Suns look like a team that’s going to make a move before the deadline. The question becomes how much change do they make and how much salary will they take on.
Jared Dudley has been mentioned a few times in connection with the Memphis deal and there is more than a passing interest in Gortat on the part of the Houston Rockets.
Phoenix has some chips to play and in roughly 30 days they are likely going to play them.
The NBA Trade Deadline is February 21st at 3pm EST, so expect a lot more chatter in the days and weeks leading up to it.”
Should we help with Laker/Dwight/Net dance? I’d switch Lopez for Jefferson. Could you see Lopez and Favors swatting evey shot !!
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=b8echpk
trading Barg and Calderon for Milsap, Bell, and Williams works….Toronto gets 3 expiring contracts Jazz stuck with Bargs 3 more years, but his outside works well with Fav and Kantor’s inside. Also gives us a big when Al leaves at the end of the season