NBA Trades: Utah Jazz
For several weeks this summer, the Utah Jazz team were at the center of the NBA offseason with discussions involving their All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen. They ultimately decided to keep him by re-signing him to a massive 5-year contract. Considering that he is already 27 years old, the Jazz will need to quickly make moves to build their roster up around him to compete during his prime.
However, that may be easier said than done since they finished five games out of 10th place last season in the Western Conference. Worst still, the bottom of the West has gotten much better with teams such as the San Antonio Spurs, Sacramento Kings, and Houston Rockets, all of whom failed to make the playoffs, getting better.
Utah should follow suit by trading for New Orleans Pelicans All-Star Brandon Ingram, who would make for an interesting pairing with Markkanen. Ingram wouldn't be Utah fans first choice for a co-star but he is the best available player on the trade block and Utah doesn't normally have an opportunity to acquire those players.
Trading for him while his value is relatively low could turn out to be a nice get for the Jazz, with them potentially trading John Collins, Walker Kessler, and a 2027 first round pick to the Pelicans for Ingram.
Taking into account that Utah was rumored to already be shopping Collins and Kessler and that they have three first round picks in 2027, that would be a more than affordable offer for an All-Star. He can help raise their floor and get them closer to where they want to be.