After a couple of seasons competing together at the top of the NBA’s Western Conference, the Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz now find themselves in contrasting positions during this 2022 offseason.
The Jazz suffered another early exit in the playoffs, signifying the end of an era that yielded six straight postseason appearances. They’ve since parted ways with head coach Quin Snyder, traded three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert, and another starter in Royce O’Neale.
The Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz are now at opposite ends of the NBA spectrum, opening up the possibility of a game-changing trade between the two teams.
Utah have begun the deconstruction of their roster, with the franchise seemingly on the brink of a full-blown detonation. Their biggest name, three-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell, is reported to be a target of the New York Knicks.
But although Mitchell is unlikely to be a target for the Suns, the Jazz do possess a number of high-quality rotation players who could be of interest to James Jones and the Phoenix front office.
The Suns could still do with some upgrades around the edges of their roster, particularly if a mammoth Kevin Durant trade doesn’t materialise.
Along with Mitchell, we can already rule out one other Jazz player from becoming a member of the Suns. While Patrick Beverley may fit from an on-court basketball standpoint, his controversial history with Chris Paul means a trade is almost no chance of occuring.
Before we begin on three potential deals between the two teams, it’s important to note the strength of Utah’s front office. Led by an experienced Danny Ainge, the Jazz aren’t about to trade away their players without adequate compensation.
We saw that with the Gobert trade – most would consider the Jazz to have won that trade despite the calibre of player he is. The Suns will need to give up something reasonable to acquire the following three players.