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Utah Is On The Clock, By Steve Kyler
Posted by: Jazzaholic on February 11th, 2013
The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of the Utah Jazz.By Steve Kyler
Managing NBA Editor & Publisher HoopsWorld
Read more at http://www.hoopsworld.com/nba-am-deals-for-bucks-pistons-and-jazz/#uGlqRo7YExOvpd6P.99
“Utah Is On The Clock: If you are expecting to know what Utah is going to do before they do it, you are not paying attention.
The Jazz are one of the few remaining teams in the NBA that keep trade discussions confined to a small circle of three or four people, and typically they are not engaged in anything until they are ready to move.
With ten days left to make a deal, the Jazz are clearly on the clock with pending free agents Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap.
The word is that if the Jazz are paying a free agent $10 million or more, it’s Millsap who’d they’d give the money to. There is also a sense that if Millsap wants to leave, leaving via a sign-and-trade is more likely than Jefferson.
So the smart money says Jefferson is the odd man out in Utah and that he is most likely to be traded before the deadline.
That said, the Jazz still don’t seem to be close to anything. There had been reports of a possible deal with San Antonio, and that still remains a possibility, although San Antonio doesn’t have much to offer that they would part with.
Jefferson could be an interesting addition to Toronto, but it’s unlikely that Utah takes back Andrea Bargnani; although league sources say anyone willing to take Raja Bell off their hands might get more consideration.
The line from Utah has been fairly consistent all season; making a deal involving their free agents isn’t a priority as long as they were in the playoff discussions and at 28-24 the Jazz currently hold the seventh seed in the west.
It won’t be surprising to see Utah hold firm and let offseason business take care of itself, especially if they can make a postseason push, that seems to be more important to the Jazz than anything they are being offered.
Things are constantly in flux this close to the deadline, but if what other teams are saying about Utah is true, the Jazz may not make a bad deal just to make one, they might actually just ride this team into the playoffs and see what happens from there.”
Replies: 41
Views: 1483
41 Responses
“The Suns also have shown interest in a bigger splash for Utah’s Al Jefferson or Gordon Hayward. Dudley could be a part of either of those deals with center Marcin Gortat likely needed to make one work for Jefferson, a 28-year-old power forward who makes $14 million and is averaging 17.4 points and 9.5 rebounds. Hayward, a 22-year-old swingman, is averaging 13.5 points in a reserve role.” Arizona Republic
Ric Bucher: “Latest word on Utah Jazz and who they’ll keep vs. deal between Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap: Jefferson is the likeliest to stay right now, according to several opposing team executives. Consensus is the Jazz can’t afford to keep both with Gordon Hayward soon to be eligible for an extension and the belief that Hayward is in the team’s long-term plans.” Sulia
Don’t think the Jazz will let Hayward go. Jazz want to get rid of Bell,Suns want to get rid of Johnson. AL, Bell, Wtson/Tinsley for Gortat, Marshall, Johnson would work..
Jazz won’t let Hayward go. Of the core 4 his game is the most advanced at this time. He might not be the player with the highest ceiling, but he is the player that offers the most at this time. He is a team player that offers defense and offense. Before his injury he was the 3rd highest scorer on the team, and is a more efficient scorer than Jefferson, with less minutes, and less touches. The Jazz can’t afford to give up on Hayward for anything that the Suns could offer. The Suns probably only want Jefferson for his 15m expiring contract at the end of the season, something Utah wants to use themselves, unless something better comes along. I just don’t see anything that the Suns have that they couldn’t look to improve on elsewhere. Dragic is the one player that Utah would look at, but for all his skills, he isn’t consistent, and he isn’t someone that you could say would move this Jazz team up 3 or 4 places in the Western Conference. Jazz won’t deal with Suns.
Core4 stays in place.
The Jazz have already paid most of this years salary to Toxic Raja, so unless he wants to offer a discount to go play on another team, or the Jazz have to have that roster spot, he stays. A cap related trade, if any, would be most likely, but he could help the Jazz swallow a marginal trade, if included. I hope that if he’s not traded, the Jazz wait until Mar 1st to waive him. After Mar 1st, he can’t be eligible for the playoffs.
I hope Ty cuts the minutes for Earl and Jamaal, in favor of more minutes for Burkes, with Foye and Hayward alongside. Way more productive!!! It will give him some time to develop his PG skills. Let’s give him a REAL chance to develop.
Jazzaholic
There seems to be a real reluctance to make a trade among the teams with a lot of cap space next year. Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Utah and now Detroit all seem willing, but would rather hold out for a deal which favors them, rather than make a bad trade, taking on salary.
If they make a trade, it’ll probably be last minute, because the proposal just got too sweet to resist.
Jazzaholic
If you could be gm of the utah jazz what would your first move be?
Bill Ingram
“I’d trade Millsap for a young starting point guard.”
Bill: Jazz and 76ers trade – Millsap in Philadelphia and Turner in Jazz. Is Turner right for Utah Jazz?
Bill Ingram:
“Hard to say what’s going on with the Sixers, where Doug Collins seems to have thrown in the towel in the wake of Bynum’s injury. I don’t see them trading Turner, as they moved Iggy to make room for him and he has been good. But when a team is struggling like the Sixers are, you never know.”
I think they should have qualified it with a ‘playoff position of 5 or higher’ lol.
I think the Jazz will only make a trade if they find a team offering them someone that makes them instantly better. I think at this stage they are content to hold on to that cap space for the summer, and sign and trade for players at that stage of the process than just make a deal that marginally improves the team. The best players that seemed to be a bad fit for their teams seemed to find themselves injured at the wrong time. Certain trades that could’ve happened now have little chance and that might slow the whole trade process down for all the teams.
I would love Jefferson to move on but I don’t see the Jazz doing a trade just for the sake of it. The teams that are rumored to have an interest have little to offer Utah and are more likely not interested in Jefferson for the long term but would like to free up some money in the summer to have the maneuverability of getting someone else. Making that kind of deal would hinder Utah’s attempts in taking advantage of some other team’s contract situation and give them even more competition in getting that player that might push this team on.
I wonder if PHX would even consider Big Al, Toxic Raja and the GSWs pick for Dragic and Gortot?
Is PHX in a total rebuild mode?
If they get desperate enough, they get $15m extra cap space and a 1st round draft pick. Toxic Raja would be happy going back to PHX and maybe they get some useful play out of him.
The Jazz get a good solid point guard. They still would have too many big men…or would they? They may not like the price to resign Paul and Gortot would probably be happy coming off the bench, but in the rotation for solid minutes. His offence isn’t as polished as Al, but he’s leaps and bounds ahead on defense. Ball movement would increase.
Conclusion: PHX says no.
Jazzaholic
This season is a write off as far as the Suns are concerned. The Suns will probably get a high draft pick of their own after having such a bad season and may well use that on a PG, and the Jazz could once again miss out on the position that could make a real difference to this team. Rather than getting Dragic, who is an ok PG that can have good nights and giving up a draft pick in the lottery to get him, the Jazz would probably rather a trade that got them a higher draft pick. Supposing they don’t use that on a PG and address another need instead, they can still get an ‘ok’ PG elsewhere in the summer.
Good point, but the GSWs pick won’t be in the lottery and probably won’t advance the Jazz pick much toward moving up.
One of the drawbacks of a nonlottery pick is the rookie contract obligation to pay a player, who has little chance of success vs an UFA, where you know what you’re getting.
Mo is an OK point guard, who will be available next summer, and the Jazz have the inside tract, ie Bird Rights.
Jazzaholic
Do you think the Suns would do this trade? 3 way trade, bring Detroit into the mix.
Utah Gets Pheonix first round this yr (currently 7th), Brandon Knight, Gortat, and Bynum.
Suns get Al, Krovtsov, Murphy, and the GSW pick.
Detroit gets Dudley, Bell, and our second round pick.
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=a5l8vfy
Its Pretty much a win for everyone. We get a PG, solid backup big, and a lottery pick for Al. Detroit gets Dudley and a second round pick, dumps off excess at the PG, and gets even more cap room for free agency. Suns get their Center, and keep a first round pick to gather a SF.
Oh, and this way we dont have to watch Al play for San Antonio. Whew, dodged a bullet.
Article just our on hoopsworld, Bill Ingram says the Jazz will make a trade..
Jazz GM Dennis Lindsey says team believes Alec Burks “has significant pick and roll ability.”
Could Burks be in the future plans as a starting PG?
@Millslapped, if Alec will be given the minutes and the experience I say yes! Who says he can’t be a point guard? LeBron James could be a point guard if he wanted, Magic Johnson was one and he was like 6′ 9″… Height nor build should determine the position you play, what determines your position is how well you can play in that position. If Burks is showing that ability, train him to be a point guard. Train him to look for the passes, teach him to create for others, and help him discover the instinct of when he should pass and when he should score. And I’ll tell you one thing…he’s a lot more fun to watch playing PG than Tinsley or Watson.
If we ship Al, I’d prefer he go Eastern Conf. PHX wants Josh Smith, ATL wants a scoring center and Utah needs a PG.
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=b7kckd8
Utah : Dragic and Gortat
PHX: Josh Smith and Petro
ATL: Al Jefferson and Telfair
Still leave Jazz with nearly $18 million to re/sign players in off season or prior to draft. Would need to open a roster spot, maybe Murphy back to D league or Raja gets real on buyout before he can’t sign for playoffs.
I don’t think Toxic Raja or Murphy have much, if any, value in a trade. They would just be there for fill, roster space or cap reasons.
It’s tough enough for two teams to make a trade. It’s rare for 3 or 4 teams to figure it out. Usually it’s one of the two teams reaching out to a third team to make it happen. They get back money, picks or cap space compensation to make the two way trade happen. So, I usually see if I can make it desirable enough for BOTH teams to be interested, then what’s the sweetener to bring the trade off. Take Toxic Raja, throw in an unproven player or draft pick. If you don’t have that last item, what team does?
I really don’t know how GMs keep it all straight and work out all the capology (I know…I just made it up) too.
Jazzaholic
All i got to ask is has jazz fans forgetten about mo? I mean we have a pg right so why is everyone talking about trading for a pg.
Jazzoholic, there are a few things you may have missed in that trade. Detroit gets a wing in Dudley that they desperately need and have reportedly had interest in, and a second round draft pick. With the expiring contract of Bell they gain more wiggle room in cap space to shop this up coming off season. If you look at Hollingers analysis, Detroit wins 3 more games with the trade. So whats not to be interested in? Bell and Murphey are just sent to make things work since we have a full roster and are not a loss to anyone.
why go for an overpaid dragic when we could get jeff teauge. maybe throw in a draft pick somewhere or player to tweak. I Think front office should jump on that win win for everyone.
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=bav8t3v
DET isn’t going to trade 2 backup point guards for a SG, so they say no, despite Hollingers +3 wins.
I like the trade for the Jazz.
I was watching Murphy shoot in warmups and wonder if he’ll ever make it. Give him a summer and maybe I’ll change my mind.
I watch Pogo during warmups fielding the ball for other players, with the ball boys under the basket, instead of practicing his shot. Nice guy, but is he ever going to get aggressive and demand some PT?
Yes, do we need to trade for a PG? Mo will be coming back before the end of the season and Alec is developing. Perhaps, no trade will be needed?
Jazzaholic
The question is when is Mo coming back? We were able to get through a lot of homes games against so-so opposition with Tinsley, Watson and Burks learning the PG role. Some of the upcoming games that we have are going to be far trickier, just in this month alone. It would be nice to get a result against GSW and the Clippers, teams that haven’t been playing well of late, but its going to be hard with the PG’s we have fit and available.
Last prediction I heard was March, sometime. I don’t think anything on Mo’s status has been released lately.
Sit Tinsley and Watson, let Burks play and make some mistakes and hopefully progress.
Gordon is still sitting, from what I heard.
“Still, the Nets are focusing on Utah’s Paul Millsap or another power forward to add by the trading deadline. The Nets and Jazz have been trading partners in the past, highlighted by the Nets’ bold move to get Williams at the 2011 mid-season deadline. But King also insists he hasn’t given up on this group.” New York Daily News
Are the poor Nets up for another rape and pillage?
Jazzaholic
Bill Oram: “#Jazz guard Mo Williams goes to New York today and will have pin removed from right thumb tomorrow morning. Rehab starts immediately.”
Sooooo, how long does it take for thumb ligament repair rehab take place?
I hope it’s a lot quicker than MrsJazz’ thumb (removal of metacarpal head/replacement with a tendon “anchovie”) took!
You’d have to guess 2-4 weeks of rehab.
Jazzaholic
Let’s say Jazz go 1-1 before AS break. Two games before deadline. If they fear they will not make playoffs they may be pushed into making a deal. If Spurs want Smith then ship AL to Atlanta. Could be a 4-5 team deal. 2-4 weeks rrhab puts you well into the middle of March.
“That’s why they play the games!”
After the Jazz beat the Thunder, I doubt there’s any fear pushing to make a trade.
I would have to bet flexibility and cap space are probably a more important consideration for them.
So, if they do make a trade it will be favorable for the Jazz, no forced trades.
This isn’t bad. It should save them some of the horrific, panic moves that many teams make, where a GM is trying to save his job or an owner is trying to make it look like he’s at least doing something.
A loss to MIN wouldn’t be a surprise, on the road, at all, but I don’t think it changes things.
Jazzaholic
I want Al, Tinsley, and Raja moved on, Evans too if he isn’t going to be played, but I don’t want a deal just for the sake of it. In order to make real progress, the Jazz don’t need to just find extra minutes for Favors and Kanter but have real upgrades in the roster. If a deal doesn’t provide that we may as well keep our flexibility, rather than do a deal that satisfies our impatience. The best of the best free agents aren’t going to come here but our flexibility will allow us to overpay on some others our do sign and trade deals, or make play for higher draft picks.
I agree, nothing forced and nothing that isnt in the Jazz’s favor. We wont be taking on long expensive contracts either, unless we are looking to loose both Al and Sap.
With SAS now in the Josh Smith sweep stakes how about this trade:
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine/?tradeId=cxeye4e
ATL – Al Jeff, Patty Mills and SAS pick/s
UT – Teague, S Jackson and Splitter (all three in final yr)
SAS – Josh Smith
Jazz would need to make roster moves – send Raja packing and Murphy back to D league.
Murphy will still have his roster spot here or D-league.
St Spalding, you would really bring 3 guys here in the last year of their contract when we already have 3 that we should retain, and all the upcoming raises for our core players. Why not just give them away for free? If we trade off, we need to bring back higher draft picks, long term young talent (rookie contracts), or a player who fills a need and can be retained for a solid price. Its a nice thought, just dont know how it helps us other than through the last of this season.
This years draft is a week class, teams are trying to get out of it, no clear number one similar to 2011 except Wall was considered leaps and bounds ahead of number 2 and he shouldn’t have been a number one draft pick. Having the chance of retaining Teague and splitter is worth the trade.
How about this:
http://espn.go.com/nba/trademachine?tradeId=cnkr7×2
Jazz get a great point gaurd, good #1&2 SG’s and give up Milsap,Burks,and Raja
Charlotte gives up Gordan and Thomas (they want both out)but have to give up kemba, they get burks, humphries and expiring Raja.
NJ gets rid of humphries, gets milsap (which they covet) and take on Thomas, but his gives them depth for a playoff push.
I dont want to give up Burks or milsap, but to get kemba and Brooks, and GOrdan, we can make a splash this year.
The Jazz are playing fairly well right now and they can use the roster spots and salary space next July to resign their own players, if the price is right or go for some new talent.
So, you’ve got to be pleased with the core4 development, thanks, again, to injuries of players in front of them.
It’s doubtful that Ty will sit Earl and Jamaal, to go with a 3 guard rotation of Alec, Randy and Gordon, or Derrick starting and Paul coming off the bench. So, some “money ball” by Dennis would be welcome, but no teams seem to be willing to give up draft picks and young talent for what the Jazz have.
Jazzaholic
My proposed trade was to A move Al and create PT, B take a look at Teague who has been on fire of late, rather date a PG now and sign in the off season then gamble on a guy who might not fit our system/culture.
Teague doesn’t seem to be on the trade block, but something may change before the trade deadline.
Jazzaholic
Looks like Bucks want Smith from Hawks for Jennings/IIyasova (SP??).How about Bucks players to the Jazz and Hawks get AL/Bell. Horford badly wants to go back to PF instead of center..
Bucks are a highly rumored trade partner, as is Atlanta. The Jazz could be brought in to facilitate a trade or be a direct partner.
Listening to Dennis, it sounds like they are playing well enough to be happy with free agency and cap space and are just waiting for trades coming to them, rather than seek/push trades.
The real question is what do they get back for Paul or Al?
Is Jennings better than resigning Mo, probably at a lower cost, than $8.5m? Do you want to be stuck with Ilyasova’s 4-5 year contract? He hasn’t played as well, since he signed his contract.
I agree, it’s hard to see the Jazz making a trade without stuffing Toxic Raja down someone’s throat or getting draft pick(s).
The way the Core4 are playing, I can see the Jazz waiting to see if they can resign Paul or Al for a reasonable contract, but not both.
Jazzaholic