5 defensive-minded NBA trade targets for the Utah Jazz to pursue
By Dalton Sell
Once a significant portion of NBA players become trade eligible on December 15, it looks like the Utah Jazz will be among the teams getting busy.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania (subscription required), reported on Monday that the Jazz are on the hunt for a defensive-minded wing via the trade market. Their interest in adding defense on the wing is feasible and could bolster their chances of making it out of the Western Conference this season.
With that said, let us get right to it and take a closer look at five defensive-minded wings that should be trade targets for Utah.
Defensive-minded NBA trade targets for the Utah Jazz: Tony Snell
Although Tony Snell might not be the flashiest name, he has been a solid role player throughout his NBA career. As the Jazz look to add more defense on the wing, they would be wise to call the Portland Trail Blazers about his potential availability.
Snell has always been a serviceable 3-and-D wing on several teams. He is not an outstanding defender, but at 6-foot-6, he can hold his own and guard several positions, thus bringing some versatility to the table for the Jazz.
Offensively, adding Snell would mean bringing in another reputable outside shooter, as he has shot 39.5 percent from deep on 3.1 attempts for his career. Snell was also the first player in league history to notch a 50/50/100 season with his shooting splits last year, and although it did not come with the largest sample size, it was still an impressive feat.
While it does not look like the Blazers are willing to blow up their roster just yet, Snell could likely be available. He is currently playing the fewest minutes of his career this season at 11.8 per game, as he has largely been an afterthought in the rotation.
With Snell on the veteran minimum, taking on his salary would pose little to no problem for the Jazz if they were serious about making a run at him. Snell would not be a needle-tipping addition for the Jazz, but he would fit the billing of the defensive-minded wing they are searching for on the trade market.