Utah Jazz: 5 predictions for the 2018 NBA Trade Deadline

Rodney Hood

Prediction: A contender will come calling right before the deadline, sending a player and a draft pick back to Utah for Hood. 

Now to the guy that many people have been talking about around the NBA for a little while in preparation for the trade deadline.

That’s right, that’s Utah wing Rodney Hood.

Basically since the start of the 2018 calendar year, Hood’s name has been swirling around trade speculation throughout the league. Hood is perhaps one of the top players out there on the market and one that many teams, including contending teams, are keeping a close eye on to try and grab before Thursday.

Hood, who is 25 years old and in his fourth NBA season, is having a career year in 2017-18. In 38 appearances, with about an even mix of coming off the bench and starting, Hood is averaging a career-high 16.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 0.8 steals in 27.9 minutes per game.

What makes Hood valuable is his versatility, offensive potential and his good contract.

Hood’s versatility includes him being able to play multiple positions, as well as his willingness and ability to start or come off the bench without his production being impacted. His offensive potential is another thing that makes him stand out, as he is shooting 42.4 percent from the field and an impressive career-high of 39.7 percent from 3. The final thing is Hood’s contract, as he is making $2.5 million in his final year of his contract.

All three of those attributes make him a valuable player for any team, and that’s exactly why his name is being brought up in so many rumors right now.

Hood has been a nice player for Utah this season, especially in coming off the bench and providing an instant impact on the game.

Next: 2017-18 Week 17 NBA Power Rankings

If the Jazz are focused on their future and gaining assets beyond this season, they will execute a trade for Hood before Thursday’s deadline.