The clock is ticking for the Utah Jazz ahead of the NBA trade deadline. With the highly-anticipated February 8th cutoff getting closer by the day, the urgency for this team to make a move to their roster is starting to increase.
Utah sits 24-25 in the Western Conference, right on the edge in their battle for the Play-In Tournament. It's a team that holds a ton of flexibility around this time of year, with an opportunity to act as sellers or even buyers in the coming days. However, with increasing rumors and interest surrounding the Jazz veterans, seeing a move involving them wouldn't be a shock.
Just recently, Kelly Olynyk has headlined a few trade rumors of his own, most recently with the Houston Rockets. For a team reportedly searching for help in their frontcourt and bringing in increased rim protection, Olynyk could be a fantastic fit for a younger team that could covet a mid-season veteran addition.
With that, here's an intriguing mock trade idea we whipped up that would effectively fulfill the Rockets' needs while the Jazz can capitalize on their expiring contract:
Utah Jazz receive: Jae'Sean Tate, 2028 first-round pick (top-4 protected)
Houston Rockets receive: Kelly Olynyk
In this deal, the Jazz would send Olynyk back to his previous home in Houston for a return of Jae'Sean Tate and a protected first-round pick in 2028. It's a move that can still keep Utah from gutting their roster and stick competitive in the Play-In race, but still able to prepare ahead for the future.
Tate started his NBA career on a hot streak during his rookie season, averaging over 11 points a night, but has seen a bit of regression in what is now his fourth-year pro. In 44 games during his 2023-24 campaign, he's averaged 4.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists on 47.7/29.2/71.4 splits.
While the numbers are less than ideal, the talent (especially on the defensive end) has been on clear display in years prior, which alludes to the fact a change in scenery could be immensely beneficial for the former Ohio State product.
In addition, the Jazz could most likely secure a first-round pick in a deal involving Olynyk, as shown by other deals around the association. If the Charlotte Hornets managed to secure a protected first-round pick for Terry Rozier, it's within reason that Danny Ainge would like to see a similar return for his vet.
We know how much this Utah front office values its draft assets, so adding to its already impressive stockpile could be in play once again at this deadline. Houston already holds a ton of picks from the Brooklyn Nets following the infamous James Harden trade, so dishing off one of their own in a few years wouldn't be a catastrophic loss for the Rockets.
Kelly has provided a critical role for the Jazz's second unit this season, but the long-term implications of this roster make his staying power a bit less secure. He'll be 33 years old this year with the chance to enter the free agent market, so capitalizing on his value while it's still possible may be the smart business move for this franchise.
The looming NBA deadline hits one week from today, so rumblings around the league should only continue as we draw closer to that highly-anticipated day on the calendar.
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