The Utah Jazz stayed out of the fray. They weren’t chasing Kevin Durant in the Hamptons, and they weren’t trying to negotiate a last minute deal with Dwyane Wade.

What they did do was improve their roster through a series of quiet trades and signings the past few days, elevating them right into the Western Conference playoff picture.

The Jazz's new additions are Joe Johnson, George Hill, and Boris Diaw. Throw in Diaw’s French Olympic teammate Rudy Gobert, along with Derrick Favors and Gordon Hayward, and the Jazz have a fabulous mix of young players and experienced veterans.

They struggled down the stretch last season, blowing their final pair of games to send them packing for vacation short of the playoffs, but this season they look to sit anywhere between the fourth and eighth seed out west.

They have players with plenty of playoff experience, good ball handling, and solid decision making at the point guard position. They have perimeter shooting and slashers, elite shot blockers on the inside, and if they can defend, they'll be scary for their opponents.

All of this has happened without a mention because of the noise in free agency about the Durant decision, and Wade leaving Miami.

The Jazz have become a formidable team, at least one paper, and appear to be a favorite to reach the postseason. They will be a fun team to watch next season.

[button width=”full” button size=”bigger” color=”custom” align=”center” textcolor=”#ffffff” texthcolor=”#ffffff” bgcolor=”#8b0000″ link=”https://clutchpoints.com/bulls-trade-jose-calderon-lakers-clear-space-wade/”]NEXT:; Chicago Bulls trade Jose Calderon to LA Lakers to clear space for Dwyane Wade[/button]