Jazz CEO Danny Ainge is “pleasantly surprised” by how his new-look team has performed so far this season, he tells Chris Mannix of SI.com. As Ainge explains, he knew there was talent on the roster, but didn’t necessarily expect all the pieces to click right away.
“Not that each individual couldn’t play well,” Ainge said. “I like a lot of the players on our team. But the fact that they’ve jelled so well so early is fun. There is a lot of movement and a lot of guys moving the ball. That’s a fun way to play. And I think they’re all enjoying it very much.”
Given that the Jazz traded away several veterans this offseason, including Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, there was a perception that they’d be content to lose a ton of games this season and be a major player in the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes. Predictably, Ainge scoffed at the notion that he’d be bothered by Utah winning so many games this fall.
“I mean, come on,” Ainge said. “Who would say that? And who would I ever have told that to? Just think about that for a second. … It’s assumed that’s how I feel? Give me a break. I’ve been accused of (building teams to lose) before. It’s never been true.”
As Mannix writes, veteran players like Jordan Clarkson, Mike Conley, and Kelly Olynyk could find themselves on the trade block this season if Utah starts losing games and wants to try to continue stockpiling young players and draft assets. Ainge didn’t confirm or deny whether he’ll explore the market for any of those players, simply saying that the Jazz would be “opportunistic” and that the front office wants to “build a team for the now and for the future.”
While Ainge isn’t sure whether or not the hot start is sustainable, he pointed out that Utah’s super-sized collection of future draft assets will create some options in the event that the team remains in the playoff hunt and wants to go in a different direction at the deadline.
“I wouldn’t discount anything,” he said. “We have a lot of opportunities to make deals with all the picks that we have.”
Yea… always better to end up with a mid lottery pick than a Top 3 pick. Fire sale by the deadline.
Gay, Conley, and Clarkson need to go… this is just appeasing Silver at the moment.
They already have way too many wins to be a top 3 contender, top ten sure but they gotta tank today.
Build a winning culture around high Minnesota draft picks. If they really get lucky the back end of Cavs picks hit as well.
Gay and Conley need to go. Clarkson, still young and turning into a leader stays.
Agreed they should move off of Conley and Gay. For a Westbrook trade they need to add Clarkson or others.
Conley, Gay and Olynyk for Westbrook and pick(s?) and max cash could be a good deal for both Utah and Lakers?
This kind of trade could happen as of 22nd of november when Olynyks salary can be aggregated.
Westbrook could go to the Nets or Knicks after a buyout.
If Nets want to get rid of Irving, it could be a trade where Westbrook goes to Brooklyn, Irving gets bought out by Utah and goes to Lakers. With verbal agreement beforehand on Irving giving up salary in buyout and signing with Lakers. (One other Brooklyn player as salary filler to be added)
How can anyone blame Silver if this is the common message from the public
Willds for the win
This is EXACTLY what I expected Markkanen to do based off of last year. I always thought it was because of the “fit” but he’s just really turned the corner and is playing with confidence.
Mannix – still one of my favorite detective shows. And our grannies were pretty hot back in those days.
Didn’t they get Minni’s unprotected 23 FRP? At this pace, he has the luxury of letting that team implode and potentially get a second ticket in the Victor sweepstakes even if Utah itself over performs.
Funny to see people calling for a tank after this start.
Even the worst record only has a 14% chance of getting the #1 pick, why throw away good players and a on pace for a 63 win season start for that?
Because their depth goes no further
“As Mannix writes, veteran players like Jordan Clarkson, Mike Conley, and Kelly Olynyk could find themselves on the trade block this season…”
They’ve been on the block and will continue to be. There’s no chance Ainge is purposely holding onto them. He may be hopeful, but he’s not oblivious.
I agree. If he gets good value for them he should trade players such as Conley, Clarkson, Olynyk, Beasley, Alexander-Walker and Gay.
Although Beasley is only 25 and Conley 30, they are replaceable. And Conleys contract is expiring.
He shouldnt do the trade for tanking, that is the potential side-effect.
They could also get some cap space next year. Some nice players they could sign with it: link to hoopshype.com
Jazz start is a surprise. But why are we getting all worked up about a 13 gm season. You really think Warriors, Mavs, TWolves, Pelicans. Even Kings, and Lakers (trade) are going to bottom out. Jazz will definitely bottom out. So get a grip.
I agree Conley, Gay, Clarkson, maybe Olynyk. Will all be moved eventually. This yr even a top 10 pick is worth it. Jazz get in top 10. They can always move up. For a player they really like.
Markkanen has sure looked good though. I hope all the haters are watching. This guy is a starting stretch 4.