Archie Moses
Well-Known Member
Full article.
https://jazz.realgm.com/articles/43/20100714/grading_the_deal_jazz_replace_boozer_with_jefferson/
I'll be the first to admit that no one will know how the trade will ultimately work out for Utah, but a B- is terrible. We gave up what? A couple of first rounders (one protected) and KOKO for Jefferson who was playing in triangle system not tailored for his game to a Utah system that is meant and created for a low-post type guy like him? Dude is gonna shine if he stays healthy. This is as bad as if the realgm guy gave the Lakers an A- for the Pau Gasol trade, right?
https://jazz.realgm.com/articles/43/20100714/grading_the_deal_jazz_replace_boozer_with_jefferson/
For the Jazz, acquiring Jefferson one week after losing Boozer at least allows them to sustain their 09-10 level of play for the remainder of Deron Williams' contract. As much as this franchise will ever appease a player, remaining committed to doing everything within their power to keep Williams content with the situation is an imperative given how valuable he is to their continued success. The Jazz are in a better situation than the Hornets are with Chris Paul, but they were another backtrack move or two away having Williams become more vocal with displeasure.
Utah obviously doesn't get better to the point of becoming a feared threat to the Lakers, but they are just about guaranteed a playoff spot.
This move does once again murk up Paul Millsap's role with the team. Do the Jazz go small and start both Millsap and Jefferson, or do they remain more conventional?
Also, the Jazz have a few more days to decide to match the offer sheet Wesley Matthews signed with the Blazers. Matthews became the richest member of the 2009 Draft class with his contract, so it will be difficult for the Jazz to take on that salary burden. But the shooting guard position is perilously thin and will be a difficult area to improve with the mid-level exception.
Furthermore, the logic of passing on Ed Davis and Patrick Patterson in favor of Gordon Hayward becomes more clear in light of the Jefferson acquisition. I had both of those power forwards rated higher than Hayward, plus the need for a replacement for Boozer seemed like an inevitability.
Grade for Jazz: B-
Ultimately, this trade was one both teams had to make because the alternatives were unattractive, even if this doesn't feel great. The Jazz could ill-afford to begin the season without bringing in a replacement for Boozer's production and Jefferson's trade value wasn't going to increase when the season began and Kahn would be forced into increasing his desperation.
Grade for Wolves: B+
I'll be the first to admit that no one will know how the trade will ultimately work out for Utah, but a B- is terrible. We gave up what? A couple of first rounders (one protected) and KOKO for Jefferson who was playing in triangle system not tailored for his game to a Utah system that is meant and created for a low-post type guy like him? Dude is gonna shine if he stays healthy. This is as bad as if the realgm guy gave the Lakers an A- for the Pau Gasol trade, right?