Jazz Take Gamble on Magic G Jalen Suggs in Latest NBA Trade Proposal
Around this time of the NBA offseason, things start to get a bit quiet. The draft and summer league are far behind us, and free agency has also reached its end for the most part. Still, moves and deals pop up around the league that can lead to a shift in some front office’s thought processes before entering the season.
This newly proposed trade from NBA Analysis Network could do just this for the Utah Jazz. A team that holds a ton of flexibility in how they can construct their roster in the near and far future, any trade presented to them at the right price can be contemplated even this far into the summer.
In a deal with the Orlando Magic, the Jazz take a chance on former top-5 overall selection Jalen Suggs.
Utah Jazz trade: Kelly Olynyk, 2025 first-round pick (CLE)
Orlando Magic trade: Jalen Suggs, Chuma Okeke
By sending out an expiring contract in Kelly Olynyk with just one first-rounder of their steep collection, the Jazz can bring on a high-ceiling guard still with two seasons left on his rookie contract. Utah would also bring in a 2021 first-round pick in Okeke in the last year of his rookie deal, giving him a second chance to finally thrive in his NBA career.
NBA Analysis Network’s James Piercey gave some reasoning as to how this trade could end up as a massive win for the Jazz with the correct development in place.
"[John] Collins will be joining a crowded frontcourt. Lauri Markkanen is the most important player on this team, and Walker Kessler looks like a cornerstone as well. The Jazz have too many quality frontcourt players.
On the other hand, they could use a boost in their backcourt. That’s what they’re getting here. If Suggs makes good on the promise that caused the Magic to select him with the fifth pick, this will be a steal for Utah."
While this trade would effectively rid of the logjam in the frontcourt by dishing Olynyk out, it likely would create a new issue of finding minutes in the frontcourt. A core of Jordan Clarkson, Collin Sexton, Keyonte George, Talen Horton-Tucker, and Kris Dunn means the minutes and opportunity to find in that group for Suggs would be slimmer than some may hope.
Last season, Suggs averaged 9.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.3 steals on 41.9/32.7/72.3 splits. Yet to live up to his top-5 pick expectations in his short two-year career, a change in scenery could help the former Gonzaga guard take his next step in the league. However, a substantial role in the Jazz rotation might be necessary to set his footing.
Many more opportunities will arise for an asset-heavy team like the Jazz, but this would be a fine offer if it were presented on the table.
Follow Inside The Jazz on Facebook and Twitter.
Subscribe on YouTube for breaking Jazz news videos and live-stream podcasts!
