Atlanta Hawks: 3 trade possibilities for Kent Bazemore

3. Utah Jazz

For a team that thrives with an unconventional star in Rudy Gobert and a budding star in Donovan Mitchell, the Utah Jazz rely heavily on their role players to assist at a high rate. Why not add another talented player who could fill a role as a defender and ball-handler?

After the emergence of the Mitchell and a second round playoff exit, Utah was viewed as one of the best teams in the Western Conference after the Golden State Warriors. So far, that hasn’t come to fruition. Mitchell has struggled, resulting in the Jazz ranking 20th in offensive efficiency. Perhaps Bazemore could take some pressure off him.

While Baze has struggled from beyond the arc, he could be a welcomed addition to a Jazz team that has just two above-average outside shooters in Joe Ingles and Kyle Korver. Despite his troubles this season, Bazemore is shooting 36.7 percent on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers, via NBA.com.

The fit makes sense off the bench for Utah, but the compensation for Atlanta is a bit trickier. Utah has its first round pick, but given the team’s status as a small market team, I could see them being hesitant to make that move for a player who can leave after the season.

One player that could intrigue is Dante Exum. He has his flaws, most notably his inability to shoot the ball. However, Exum has some strengths as a defender and the ability to get to the rim. At 23 years old, he’s an intriguing fit between Trae Young and Kevin Huerter as a ball-handler and slasher.

With a decent contract over the next two seasons, he’d be an interesting fit for Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce and what he wants to do defensively, while also being in that age threshold to contribute to Atlanta’s future. Thabo Sefolosha would be included to balance out salaries.