JP Chunga and Ryan Kostecka Respond to Your Queries Ahead of the Trade Deadline.
With just under two weeks before the February 8 trade deadline — coinciding with the due date for my wife and our first child — the Jazz remain one of the league’s most intriguing and adaptable teams.
Armed with a plethora of draft picks and expiring contracts, Utah has the resources to make significant moves. However, they also have players on favorable contracts with skill sets that could elevate teams.
In light of these circumstances, what course of action will the Jazz take? Will they pursue acquisitions or entertain offers? What’s the current market landscape? JP Chunga (Jazz Podcast Host) and I (Jazz Digital Content Writer) are here to tackle your Jazz queries — and more.
Question: I’ll ask the question EVERYBODY in Jazz Nation wants to ask… are the Jazz going to make a move? | Andy C. — Tooele, UT
Chunga: Given their position, Utah has numerous options. With 14 first-round picks, they’re actively engaged in talent acquisition discussions. Currently in the play-in race, they’ll have ample opportunities to participate in transactions.
Question: If the Jazz do make a move, who do you think is most likely to be traded? | Anaiah H. — Boise, ID
Kostecka: Nearly every player in Utah’s rotation has been linked to trade scenarios, but that doesn’t hold much weight. I believe Kelly Olynyk, Jordan Clarkson, and Talen Horton-Tucker are Utah’s most valuable assets. Clarkson and Olynyk could immediately boost contenders, while THT and Olynyk are on expiring contracts.
Question: What’s the difference for Utah between last season’s trade deadline and this year’s? | Oscar S. — Whitefish, MT
Chunga: Last year marked a pivot, whereas this year, clear building blocks are in place. Lauri Markkanen’s unexpected All-Star emergence has been impressive. The Jazz started hot and cooled off last season, whereas this year, it’s been the reverse. Clarkson has settled into a pivotal bench role.
Question: Last year the Jazz traded Mike (sad), Vando, and Malik at the deadline and they struggled the rest of the year. Is that the plan this year also, or will they add someone to climb the standings? | Levi D. — Morgan, UT
Kostecka: The Jazz’s flexibility allows them to move in various directions, with different outcomes. They’ve shown depth, potentially enough to endure losing a player or two, depending on returns. While uncertain of their path, I expect the Jazz to push for the postseason.
Question: Not really a trade deadline question… but with Utah owing OKC that top-10 protected pick this year, does the team want to convey that pick or not? | Lila S. — Salt Lake City, UT
Chunga: Considering the draft’s critique for lacking top-tier stars, conveying the pick isn’t catastrophic. With Utah using all three picks in the 2023 Draft, they might roll one over from that year. They don’t necessarily need a #14 overall pick if it comes to that.
Question: How do the other trades that have happened so far — Rozier (Miami), OG (New York), and Siakim (Indiana) — affect the Jazz this year if they end up trading someone? | Madison L. — Richfield, UT
Kostecka: Those trades offer insights beneficial to the Jazz. The Rozier trade sets a precedent, suggesting players like Clarkson and Olynyk may command at least a first-rounder in return. New York retaining a first-rounder for Anunoby was surprising, but the return for Toronto was noteworthy.
Question: Not Jazz related, but what trade do you think could have the biggest impact on the postseason? | Elsie S. — American Fork, UT
Chunga: The acquisition of Terry Rozier by Miami seems most impactful currently. While it may not fix their offense, the Heat excel in the postseason, providing another scoring option as the pace slows down.
Question: With rumors flying faster than any sorority or fraternity house, are there any players who’ve been made “available” that could be good fits for Utah? | Henry M. — Las Vegas, NV
Kostecka: I’m unsure if any truly impactful players have been made available. The Jazz have a strong core and are building toward success. However, there’s speculation about the Pelicans making Herb Jones available — if true, he could be an ideal addition.
