Speculation about the potential breakup of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert appears to be fueled more by people outside of the Jazz organization than those within it, according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, who says sources from the team and around the NBA believe that CAA has been responsible for many of the whispers involving Mitchell’s future.
According to Fischer, team owner Ryan Smith is willing to spend big on a contender, and Utah has no plans to rebuild. Smith also likes the idea of having multiple players in the 2023 All-Star Game, which the Jazz will host.
Although some rival executives believe a Gobert trade is a possibility and view the Mavericks, Hawks, and Raptors as potential destinations, Fischer says the Jazz are focused on upgrading their defense, so moving a three-time Defensive Player of the Year seems counterintuitive. On the other hand, complementary players like Bojan Bogdanovic, Royce O’Neale, and perhaps even Mike Conley are considered more realistic trade candidates.
Fischer wonders if the Clippers or the Knicks might have interest in Conley, another CAA client. With the Jazz seeking help on the wing, Evan Fournier could theoretically headline a Knicks offer for Conley if they miss out on Jalen Brunson, says Fischer, though he notes that some staffers in New York would prefer to stay in-house and give Immanuel Quickley an expanded role.
As for the Clippers, Fischer is skeptical that a Conley trade offer centered around sharpshooter Luke Kennard would appeal to a Utah team looking to improve its defense and suggests that a more realistic point guard target for L.A. would be John Wall, assuming he and the Rockets work out a buyout. Wall has also been linked to the Heat, but Fischer’s sources believe Miami’s interest predated last year’s acquisition of Kyle Lowry.
Here’s more from Fischer:
- There’s “little expectation” among people close to the situation that Quin Snyder will leave the Jazz before his contract expires in 2023, says Fischer. Snyder also holds an option for the 2023/24 season.
- Jazz CEO Danny Ainge doesn’t appear inclined to shake up the team’s basketball operations department. According to Fischer, major changes would likely only occur if former head of basketball operations Dennis Lindsey gets a top front office job elsewhere and wants to bring some Utah executives with him.
- Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, who is traveling and considering his coaching future, plans to visit Belgrade for the EuroLeague Final Four later this month, a source tells Fischer. The general sense is that Popovich seems interested in coaching San Antonio for at least one more season, Fischer adds.
- The Pelicans are among the teams believed to be considering a possible point guard upgrade this offseason, reports Fischer. Devonte’ Graham saw his role reduced significantly in the playoffs and some people around the league think he could end up on the trade block this offseason, but sources tell Fischer the Pels aren’t motivated to move on from Graham like they were with Eric Bledsoe a year ago.
Yes, Lakers welcome Wall, and whoever sign $80 million plus contracts then are waived
Duncan Robinson
Dinwiddie
Lakers new coach can fix everything
How is Ainge CEO again so easily????
Have you watched the Celtics? He is responsible for a large portion of what is going on.
Right now I’d say all. Even responsible for the guy who replaced him. Kevin Bacon of the Celts for the next decade.
As expected, Jazz want to trade role players to upgrade the roster
Jazz will keep 2 available future picks
Westbrook to Jazz is not feasible
Nor is it wanted.
Nor was it mentioned or suggested.
Conley has to go. I think Clips would be good fit since they need a more reliable PG than Jackson and would take Conleys high salary. Kennard helps with shooting and will get more playing time, and probably easier to flip again if needed
Kennard would be ok but they need a big defensive wing. I don’t like the guy but Marcus Morris would be a better fit.
Agreed – Conley on the Clippers would be an excellent match.
Kennard should be available. Lue doesn’t like him (as a player) and the LAC, even without him, have more guys at the 2-4 spots than they can get minutes for. It almost requires that they use his contract in a trade. He’s much more than the spot up shooter that Lue uses him as.
I think there will be a market for Conley. Just 2 more seasons at around 22-25 mm/year. Lots of team could use a veteran PG like him.
Knicks’ offseason is going to be very disappointing for their fans if they’re taking any of these “rumors” seriously.
When has it ever not been?
I do like that Kennard isn’t afraid to shoot. I’d just prefer Marcus Morris in that trade scenario. If they would include both guys then I’d do it. The Clippers do have too many wings. Although, I’d prefer Marcus Morris and Mann.