The Utah Jazz have 18 players, including all three two-way spots, under contract for the upcoming season. However, Andy Larson of the Salt Lake Tribune believes that the Jazz have more work to do with the roster. The Jazz are under the salary cap, meaning they still have their $7.7 million room exception. Also, only a tiny portion of forward Luka Samanic’s contract is guaranteed, and Kris Dunn’s deal is nonguaranteed.
NBA Rumors: 6 Trade Targets For Utah As Jazz Look To Improve Backcourt
According to Larsen, Utah’s most solid position groups are at the forward and center positions. With Lauri Markkanen in place at either forward position and Walker Kessler anchoring down the paint, there are few questions about Utah’s frontcourt.
However, in Larsen’s view, there are questions surrounding the Jazz’s backcourt. Jordan Clarkson is the unquestioned starter at one guard spot. Who will start at the other spot is more of a crapshoot. Larsen writes that Kris Dunn, Collin Sexton, Talen Horton-Tucker, and Ochai Agbaji all had bright moments last season, but they would need to make major leaps to be full-time starters. Another option is Rookie Keyonte George, who had an outstanding Summer League. However, the 20-year-old may not be ready to handle a major role from the start.
“That’s why I suspect that the Jazz are going to continue to be active in trade conversations for the rest of the year, Larson said in his article. “Heck, all the way through the trade deadline in 2024. The dream is that 24-year-old Luka Doncic becomes available if Dallas starts to falter, but maybe a Trae Young or LaMelo Ball relocation could also be in the cards down the road.”
Possible Options For the Jazz
I don’t see Doncic, Young, or Ball coming to Utah anytime soon, if at all. Ball signed a max extension with the Charlotte Hornets this summer. Young and Doncic each have at least three years on their max deals. So, here are some more realistic options.
Tyler Herro
Larson believes that Tyler Herro could be an option if the Jazz helps facilitate the trade between the Miami Heat and Portland Trail Blazers for Damian Lillard. Herro would be an excellent fit for the Jazz as he is a scorer who can shoot it well. The 22-year-old, who also can play both guard spots, averaged 20 points last year while setting career marks in free throw percentage and rebound. He also increased his assists and cut down his turnovers.
I am not sure how much of a reality of Herro’s landing in Utah is. I would put it at less than a 50% chance. The biggest question is why Portland wouldn’t want Herro if he were involved in a trade for Lillard.
Zach LaVine
The Chicago Bulls insist that Zach LaVine is not on the market right now, although there is a chance that may change down the road. Some believe that if the Bulls get off to a slow start, Chicago may be willing to pull the trigger on their lone max player. LaVine would also be an outstanding fit for the Jazz as long as Danny Ainge believes in him.
OG Anunoby
OG Anunoby is in a similar position as LaVine. The Toronto Raptors have said they don’t want to trade Anunoby. However, that may change as the season progresses, with the 26-year-old wing being a free agent in the summer of 2025. Anunoby is an elite defender who is an outstanding shooter. He led the league in steals last season.
Isaiah Joe
Isaiah Joe is probably the most realistic option at this point. The 24-year-old is coming off a career year and is a cheap option. He showed significant improvement last season, particularly from beyond the arc, where he averaged 2.2 treys and shot 40.9% from the 3-point line. Plus, trading for Joe would cost the Jazz very little in terms of assets.
D’Angelo Russell
D’Angelo Russell can’t be traded until December 15, as he just re-signed with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers believe they are championship contenders, and Russell is the starting point guard. Unless the Lakers decide that Clarkson is a better option at the trade deadline, I don’t see Russell landing in Utah.
Kevin Porter Jr.
Kevin Porter Jr. is probably the second most likely of the players listed to land in Utah. The 23-year-old is definitely a trade candidate, as the Houston Rockets have a bunch of young guards who need to see the floor develop.
Porter is a scorer and has developed into an average three-point shooter over the past two seasons. Porter set career-bests last season in points, effective field goal percentage, free throws, free throw percentage, and rebounds. He also improved his ball handling and defense though turnovers were still problematic. Porter projects be a relatively cheap trade option.
Utah’s Trade Assets
Before this year’s draft, it was rumored that Markkanan, Kessler, and Agbaji (not sure this remains true) were the only Jazz players considered off-limits. Clarkson, Kelly Olynyk, Sexton, and Horton-Tucker probably possess the most trade value. They have at least two first-rounder picks in 2025 and at least three in 2027. The Jazz also own their own first-rounder in 2026 and 2028.
