After a successful draft in June resulting in three high-ceiling first-round picks, the wise trade to acquire John Collins, and the sole free agency signing of Omer Yurtseven, the Utah Jazz have had a mainly quiet yet positive offseason. While the roster is capped out at 18 players, the front office still might not be done making moves.
In a recent article from Salt Lake Tribune writer Andy Larsen, he speculates the Jazz are far from done with their roster construction for next season:
"I suspect that, despite the full roster, the Jazz are going to continue to be active in trade conversations for the rest of the year — heck, all the way through the trade deadline in 2024... just because the Jazz’s roster is full doesn’t mean the Jazz’s front office is done. Work remains to become a true championship contender, and the franchise will push toward that goal."
IIt has been a productive past few months for the Jazz, yet the team is far from being considered complete. There is a lack of any true point guard on the roster, the power forward position could use a bit of progression, and there is still not quite an NBA Finals-caliber superstar in Utah.
The current roster could be argued to be more of a collection of assets rather than a balanced, competitive team. Yes, this squad could still be a playoff contender, but the Larry O’Brien trophy probably won't be coming to Salt Lake City next year. A front office led by Danny Ainge is fully aware of this, and that is why you can expect trade discussions to persist for this team to get closer to the ultimate goal of a championship.
From the perspective of an opposing team looking at the Jazz, the players and the assets on hand is a treasure trove. A variety of young, talented players and a surplus of first-rounders make Utah a hub for any big name to come up in rumors on the trade market.
Larsen goes on to mention this point, along with a few potential names we could see arise as trade candidates across the coming seasons -- specifically guard play:
"Given that, the Jazz will need George to star, see massive improvement from their current stable of young point guards ... or stay patient and wait for an all-in All-Star option. The dream is that 24-year-old Luka Doncic becomes available if Dallas starts to falter, but maybe a Trae Young or LaMelo Ball relocation could also be in the cards down the road."
The day that long-awaited blockbuster trade comes through Utah will be a good one, but fans will have to remain patient for it to arrive. Without any realistic superstar name that could be on the move at the moment, plenty of time remains for the Jazz to strike.
In the meantime, this team looks to compete for the chance to reach the postseason just one year removed from trading Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. The many exciting prospects and players this Jazz team has on hand makes them fun to watch in both on-court play and off-court rumors.
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