The trade deadline is still a couple of months away, Thursday February 10th, but it's never too early to talk about it. I think we all agree we could use more defense, particularly on the perimeter. I also think we could use more size, length and athleticism. My pipe dream trade targets that we likely have no way to acquire are Marcus Smart and Harrison Barnes. Not sure who some of the more realistic targets could be. I think we should try and swap JC and maybe a first round pick (if we have any left to trade) for a defender. I think our bench offense would be fine without JC and due to his extremely high usage and poor efficiency it may even improve. The Jazz front office may see Ingles as a trade candidate due to his age and the fact that he's on an expiring contract and this may be his last season.
Discuss.
I mean the goal is to improve on the Bogey or JC spot. I think it is easier to upgrade the JC spot personally. Bogey and two first for Barnes? The firsts are waaaaaaay out in that scenario and those are some dangerous picks to give. Is that a big upgrade?
Swapping JC for Smart, Melton, or another defensive wing type could change things a bit but he's tricky to move. Joe doesn't get moved unless he gets hurt or we get some amazing deal that is too perfect to pass up. He either retires and we need the relief or comes back on a $5M ish type deal that is a great value. I think he's going to retire.
I'd love to throw a homer deal out there but I think it will be tough... Here is one I kinda thought about. JC is used in a lot of lineups with 2 of mike, DM or Joe.... you don't need to replace him with a guard. What if you did this type of deal:
Utah out: JC, Udoka
Utah in: Garrett Temple, Kenrich Williams
NO out: Hayes, Temple
NO in: Jordan Clarkson
OKC out: Williams
OK In: Hayes, Udoka
OKC has a bunch of space so salaries don't have to line up. NO needs offense (and defense)... they have to be getting desperate. I'd love to get Hart but JC for Hart is likely a little rich for NO.
Temple is a solid defender who can play 10 minutes a night and fill in when guys are hurt. Williams is kind of a do it all wing. Both have cost effective deals so Ryan saves some money (money that DL can reinvest in the program (sarcasm font)).
If you are going to play small ball with Rudy Gay at center you will need guys like those to make it work. Completely unsexy... I know. Just throwing a different type of deal out there.
