Utah Jazz: Grading moves at the 2018 NBA Trade Deadline
Acquisitions: Jae Crowder, Derrick Rose
In the three-team trade with the Kings and Cavaliers, the Jazz received forward Jae Crowder and point guard Derrick Rose from Cleveland.
Crowder, who is 27 years old, could be a nice pickup for Utah after he has struggled to some extent in Cleveland this season. So far this year, Crowder has averaged 8.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 0.8 steals in 25.4 minutes per game this season.
In 53 appearances, he is shooting 41.8 percent from the field and 32.8 percent from 3-point range.
https://twitter.com/spidadmitchell/status/961737329692966912
When Crowder was with Boston before being traded to Cleveland in the offseason, he was known for his defense, which somewhat disappeared with the Cavs. With the Jazz being a solid defensive team, if Crowder figures things out on that end, Utah will be an even scarier team.
Along with Crowder, the Jazz also acquired former MVP Derrick Rose from the Cavs, a player who has jumped around the NBA in the last few seasons.
According to Yahoo! Sports‘ Shams Charania, though, Rose won’t be in Utah for long, with the Jazz expected to release him.
Utah will likely release former NBA MVP Derrick Rose, league sources tell Yahoo.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 8, 2018
Overall, the acquisitions — which will likely change from plural to singular once Utah likely releases Rose — were nice ones for the Jazz. Ultimately, Utah got a solid player in return for two players it probably would’ve let walk in the offseason.
The Jazz not only add to the depth and improve the talent at the forward position with Crowder, something they’ve been searching for since Gordon Hayward bolted to the Celtics, but they also get a player who will be locked up for over two more years, which will help as they look toward the future.
The only thing that could have probably gone better for Utah — and would have improved our overall grade — was acquiring a first round draft pick. But neither Cleveland or Sacramento were going to offer that, so this was the next best thing.
Next: Biggest winners and losers of the 2018 NBA Trade Deadline
Grade: B