The Utah Jazz must appear to the other 29 NBA teams like the overachieving kid in school who is always the first person to raise their hand in class to answer a question or do something. Why? Because the Jazz seem to always get a reward for basically volunteering to be part of something. The Jazz’s latest draft pick haul, including Jalen Hood-Schifino, for just being part of the Anthony Davis–Luka Doncic trade, was a coop. What’s Next For The Jazz?
Utah Continues To Facilitate Trade Deals, What Is Next, and How Does The Jazz Newest Guard Fit?
While Utah is not the first team to value draft picks, Oklahoma City is the prime example; the Jazz are just continuing to show other franchises that you can make good business decisions even when the product is not good. The Jazz has been part of the sort of trade, like the Davis-Doncic one, since the 2023 trade deadline. It is the third, including the second over the last couple of days, that they have been involved in such a deal since the 2024-25 year opened and the fifth over the last three trade deadlines. More trades could come over the next few days.
In addition to Schifino, Utah received a 2025 second-round pick from the Los Angeles Clippers and a 2025 second-round selection from the Mavericks. The Jazz got Mo Bamba, cash, and a 2030 second-round pick for taking on P.J. Tucker‘s contract. They waived Bamba after acquiring Hood-Schifino.
Hood-Schifino continues to be plagued by a hamstring injury. The 21-year-old, who last played in a game on December 1, was declared out for the Jazz’s game against Indiana tonight. He has been injured often since surprisingly being taken with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2023 draft.
Hood-Schifino is an athletic, high-volume scorer who can create for himself and others. However, he has shown a propensity to struggle with shot selection and ball handling. While he has yet to show the ability to shoot the ball consistently from deep at the NBA level, he has connected on 2.5 3-pointers at a 43.5% clip in 16 G-League games. He has also shown the ability to be a defensive factor occasionally, and his length could help create turnovers.
Does Hood-Schifino Have a Role With The Jazz?
While it is unknown when Hood-Schifino will be able to get back on the court, the 6-6 combo guard figures will have a role with the Jazz. At the very least, Utah figures to give the youngster every chance to earn a regular spot in their rotation down the stretch.
The Jazz have a very crowded backcourt, but that figures to change by Thursday. Regardless, Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier, more so the former than the latter, figure to be part of the Jazz’s backcourt for the future. Cody Williams also projects being part of their core, though he is more suited as a wing/small forward than at the two.
Collin Sexton has re-established himself as an elite scorer. He could be moved for the right price at the trade deadline or this summer, as he remains a defensive liability. Jordan Clarkson can still light up a scoreboard, but he doesn’t fit in the Jazz’s timeline at 32 and is under contract for just one more season.
Meanwhile, Johnny Juzang doesn’t figure to be in the franchise’s plan, though he is an excellent shooter. Juzang signed a four-year contract this summer, though each of the next three seasons is not guaranteed.
What’s Next For The Jazz?
Moreover, Sexton and Clarkson are two of three Jazz players who don’t figure to be on the roster much longer, per Sarah Todd of The Desert News. Both players have been long rumored to be targets of teams.
John Collins is the other player Todd said expected to be moved. Collins has a $26.5 million player option for next season that he likely won’t exercise with Jazz unless it is to make a trade in the offseason.
Additionally, Mike Scotto of HoopsHype recently said Tucker will be released because they can’t flip him. But their goal is to add more draft capital to take on more salary.
Of course, there has been much chatter about Walker Kessler. But the Jazz shouldn’t trade the young big man unless they are blown away by an offer.
Utah has spent just $154 million on its roster, which may explain why the Jazz only have 11 victories at this stage. But that is another story. More importantly, it is $16 million below the tax, so it can continue facilitating trades, buying out players down the line, or making an unexpected spashy deal.
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