It's been a whirlwind trade season for the Utah Jazz but the clock hasn't struck 3 just yet.
After completing a three-team trade with the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves, the Jazz are all-in on their rebuild. Consequently, veterans Mike Conley Jr., Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are headed to new homes.
In return, the Jazz received a valuable top-4 protected 2027 first-round pick from the Lakers. They also receive star point guard Russell Westbrook.
However, Westbrook will more than likely be bought out of his contract.
Following the trade, the Jazz moved fifth-year guard Collin Sexton in the starting lineup in place of Conley.
Sexton responded by scoring 20 points in the first half, as the absence of Conley and Beasley increased his scoring opportunities. Just as it looked when Utah traded All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the offseason, Sexton and forward Lauri Markkanen are in position to be franchise cornerstones for Utah.
Yet, while Sexton's efficiency, scoring instincts, and defensive intensity are significant, having a seasoned point guard behind him would be wise.
Utah now lacks a true floor general with the trade of Conley and Westbrook's anticipated buyout.
In addition, though Sexton has made steady strides as a playmaker, he's not a natural facilitator. Subsequently, for both the Jazz's offensive efficacy and Sexton's continued development, Utah should complete a trade for Los Angeles Clippers point guard John Wall.
Jazz must complete John Wall trade with Clippers after 3-team blockbuster
An 11-year veteran and five-time All-Star, Wall is averaging 5.2 assists in 22.2 minutes per game this season. He's currently ranked seventh all-time in assists per game (8.9) and third all-time in playoff history with 9.8 assists per game.
Though Wall is currently out with an abdominal injury, the benefit of him being on the roster extends far past his on-court ability. That said, there aren't many better floor generals in league history, let alone today.
Owed $6.5 million this season after signing a two-year, $13 million contract with the Clippers in the offseason, the Jazz won't have to surrender much to acquire Wall.
In fact, veteran forward Rudy Gay's $6.2 million salary for the 2022-23 season will suffice.
However, while trading for Wall won't require Utah to trade a significant player, this trade package may not be enough for the Clippers. Gay, now in his 17th season, is posting career-lows across the board.
Satisfying the Clippers
Furthermore, with L.A. focused on adding a point guard, Walle may viewed as an ideal trade asset because of his position and contract. To that point, the Clippers have interest in Miami Heat veteran Kyle Lowry, a former teammate of All-Star forward Kawhi Leonard.
This gives the Jazz another option in acquiring Wall.
They could help facilitate a deal between the Heat and the Clippers by using Westbrook's massive $47.1 million expiring contract.
One such scenario would see the Jazz acquiring Wall and forward Robert Covington from the Clippers.
They would also take on the five-year, $90 million contract of shooting specialist Duncan Robinson.
In return, the Heat would receive the embattled Westbrook.
Miami is a team unlikely to put too much stock into the court of public opinion. Consequently, Westbrook would likely be valued and appreciated on a squad with players like Jimmy Butler and Udonis Haslem.
The Heat will also receive guard Reggie Jackson from the Clippers, a definitive upgrade at point guard.
Meanwhile, the Clippers get their man in Lowry.
They also receive guard Gabe Vincent and forward Haywood Highsmith. Both Vincent and Highsmith have made a name for themselves on the defensive end.
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