A new report claims that Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith is pushing his front office to go star hunting this summer and make the team a competitive squad for the 2024-25 NBA season.
After being a playoff team for six straight seasons, the Utah Jazz blew things up two years ago after the combo of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert seemingly hit a ceiling. They traded their top two players in a pair of blockbuster deals in 2022 and also moved on from long-time head coach Quinn Snyder.
When the organization decided to make a major pivot and rebuild, the understanding was that it would take time. However, after a pair of losing seasons, it seems the team’s top decision-maker is growing weary of a complete rebuild and wants to see a competitive team put on the court now, not eventually.
“Utah is expected to explore trading the No. 10 overall pick and the other first-rounders this year,” league sources told HoopsHype reporter Michael Scotto this week. “There’s a belief from some around the league that Utah’s owner, Ryan Smith, would like to add more star talent to the Jazz.”
Fortunately for Utah President Danny Ainge, the Jazz have a wealth of assets. They will have at least $38.3 million in cap space this summer, three draft picks in Round 1 this year, and as many as six more first-rounders over the next two years. So they have the assets to land All-Star-level players in NBA free agency of the trade market.
With that in mind, let’s look at five impact players they could target in the months ahead.
5 stars the Utah Jazz could target this summer in trades or NBA free agency
DeMar DeRozan
DeMar DeRozan is hunting for one last big contract and the Utah Jazz could certainly give it to him. He is the sort of proven winner the roster and locker room could really use. However, with him looking to get his first championship he might not see Utah as a fit. However, if they can pull off a trade for one of the other players on this list DeRozan might be more willing to join them in Salt Lake City.
Kyle Kuzma
Recent reports have suggested that the Washington Wizards may be open to the idea of trading top star Kyle Kuzma. While many teams have gone with the strategy of a nasty combo in the backcourt, Utah could mirror the Orlando Magic’s success and go with a formidable frontcourt of Kuzma and Lauri Markkanen. The Jazz have more than enough to get the 28-year-old in a trade.
Brandon Ingram
New Orleans Pelicans star Brandon Ingram is eligible for a max extension but the team is not planning to offer it to him. That is why he is likely to be traded this summer. If Markannen and Kuzma could be a good front-court combo, Markannen and Ingram would be even better. Plus, Utah has the money to give Ingram the extension he is looking for.
Julius Randle
There have been rumblings that the New York Knicks could move Julius Randle this summer. While the assumption has been it would be in a blockbuster trade for an All-Star, they might have to move him to make room to re-sign OG Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein. In a small-ball lineup, Randle and Markannen have a lot of potential.
Klay Thompson
If the organization wants to bring in a winner who can contribute, but won’t require assets and big money being used then Golden State Warriors great Klay Thompson could be an option. He would be the locker room leader they need at a reasonable rate and can help in developing a winning culture in Salt Lake.
