What is the next move for the Utah Jazz?
To put it boldly, lose games to improve draft position. Yes, that does sound like tanking, but the Jazz needs to improve their draft selection fast. The fast start to the season could end up hurting their chances of getting a top-tier draft prospect.
The difference between selecting in the top-6 of the NBA draft is much different than sub-12th. In a perfect world, Utah ends up with Alabama forward Brandon Miller, who in my mind is the best prospect that’s not named Victor Wembanyama or Scoot Henderson.
A good current player comparison for Miller is Jayson Tatum because of his length and scoring ability. The Miller and Tatum similarity gives me a hunch that Utah could trade up to get the Alabama forward. Although the NBA Draft is not until June, it’s never too early to think about prospects that would fit in Utah.
Utah has three first-round picks in the 2023 draft, their own selection, Minnesota’s pick, and the lowest pick between Brooklyn and Philadelphia. The third should end up being the 76ers’ pick, as they should finish top-5 in the east barring any key injuries down the stretch. This year’s draft is really important for Utah. If the Jazz ends up with a middle first-round pick, I’d expect them to trade up.
Free agency is another method of approach for Utah this offseason. I would not expect the Jazz to be throwing around money like it’s nothing, but if the correct opportunity presents itself Ainge will pull the trigger. Some 2023 free agents that would be good fits for Utah include recent Jazzmen Malik Beasley, who has a team option at the end of this year and guard Gary Trent Jr., who has a player option that I expect him to decline at the end of the season. Again, do not expect Utah to sign any free agents to bigger deals unless the correct opportunity presents itself.
A decision on what to do with recently acquired point guard Russell Westbrook is near the top of Utah’s to-do list. The Jazz has had preliminary talks with Westbrook to figure out the next step in his season. There is a slight chance that Westbrook could remain in Utah, although that idea seems far-fetched to some Jazz fans.