Examining if Jazz Trading For a Top-5 NBA Player is Plausible
The Utah Jazz front office has outdone itself by obtaining a treasure chest full of assets that can be used to upgrade the roster when an opportunity presents itself. Pairing Lauri Markkanen with another All-Star is now on the table via trade, but is obtaining a top-five player like Luka Dončić or Giannis Antetokounmpo plausible for Utah if either were to hit the market?
The thought of such a scenario having a realistic chance of happening should be put to bed. Let's break it down.
The first question is, what would the Jazz have to sacrifice to obtain a top-five talent still in his prime? The way Utah’s roster is currently structured, there’s a lot to offer in draft capital, but as far as players, it’s hard to imagine that an exchange would occur without Markkanen and Walker Kessler being a part of the deal.
This might not be what Jazz fans want to hear, but it’s the reality of the situation. Players like Collin Sexton, Ochai Agbaji, and Keyonte George don’t move the needle on the trade market at this stage when it comes to acquiring a top-five talent in his prime.
The Phoenix Suns had to sacrifice Cam Johnson, Mikal Bridges, four first-rounders, and a pick swap for a 34-year-old injury-prone Kevin Durant. Keep in mind, much younger players without the injury bug history, like Dončić and Antetokounmpo, would require much more.
If Utah had to give up Markkanen, Kessler, and some draft capital for any player, it would be a lateral move at best. Breaking up the nucleus for one player would put Utah in a similar situation the Dallas Mavericks find themselves in now. Dallas proved last year that a top-heavy roster isn’t a recipe for building an NBA contender.
However, for argument's sake, let’s say Utah were to put a package together without Kessker or Markannen. The Oklahoma City Thunder could easily trump such an offer with their current assets.
Players like Jalen Williams, Josh Giddey, and Chet Holgrem could be used without the Thunder having to sacrifice Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Utah’s offer would easily be beat without Markkanen or Kessler included.
The Takeaway
This doesn’t mean Utah couldn’t put a more competitive offer down the road. Player values are like stocks, and Utah has a handful of players that could be viewed differently as they progress in their careers.
Players like George, Agbaji, Sexton, and Taylor Hendricks' trade value could skyrocket if they outperform their perceived value during the 2023-24 season. However, until the landscape of Utah’s current roster changes, obtaining a top-five player most likely is not in the cards via trade.
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