NBA Trade Rumors: What may the Utah Jazz do at the trade deadline?

The NBA Trade Deadline is fast approaching. What NBA trade rumors surround the Utah Jazz leading into the deadline?

After a hot start to the NBA season, the Utah Jazz has considerably cooled off to a record of 27-26. Now the main subject surrounding the Jazz is trade rumors. Danny Ainge worked his magic during the offseason to acquire the Jazz multiple first-round picks from both the Minnesota Timberwolves and Cleveland Cavaliers, not to mention Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, and Ochai Agbaji were added to the roster.

I firmly believe that Ainge is not done adding to his draft arsenal. Who should we expect to be moved before this year’s February 9th deadline?

Utah is actively shopping power forward Jarred Vanderbilt, in hopes of acquiring a first-round draft pick. The Jazz has also been in talks with the Atlanta Hawks surrounding forward John Collins.

If a move were to be made on Collins, I believe it would take both Vanderbilt and sharpshooter Malik Beasley to be moved to Atlanta. I also believe that the Jazz will wait Atlanta out until the last minute in hopes of their asking price for Collins to lower.

The chances of a  Collins trade to Utah are unlikely as it would speed up the rebuild for the Jazz, but I would not rule out any move by Danny Ainge.

Another rumor around the league is that the Jazz is expressing interest in Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith.

This move is the more unlikely of the two. The Mavs rely on Finney-Smith for a large portion of their defense and would ask for a lot in return. Dorian is 29 years old, and giving up possibly both Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley would not make a lot of sense for the Jazz at this point in their rebuild.

Expectations from the Utah Jazz at the trade deadline

I largely expect Utah to stay put at this year’s trade deadline unless a beneficial deal comes their way. If Danny Ainge can find a viable trade partner for Rudy Gay, that would be a move that Jazz fans would rejoice at. Utah has seen incredible development from recent first-round draft pick acquisitions Walker Kessler and Ochai Agbaji and acquiring talent to block their playing time would be a questionable move.

Contending teams could certainly use a facilitating point guard such as Mike Conley or a scoring guard like Jordan Clarkson. The only three players deemed untouchable by Utah are Markkanen, Kessler, and Agbaji.

If Danny Ainge is offered a trade that he believes will benefit the Jazz two years down the road, expect him to pull the trigger. Even if it includes fan favorites Mike Conley and Jordan Clarkson.