Like many teams around the league, Utah’s offseason changes have been subtle and understated, but that doesn’t mean Utah isn’t moving in the right direction. Still in the process of retooling, have the Jazz done enough to give fans hope? Will this season be another slow progression toward something better in the future?
Utah Jazz offseason: Review so far
Utah’s offseason keeps fans in waiting mode
The Utah Jazz began their offseason with week-to-week speculation surrounding their All-Star power forward, Lauri Markkanen. Will they trade him? Or re-sign him? After the trade rumors involving the Golden State Warriors and the The Los Angeles LakersAmong a few other teams, Markkanen and the Jazz put an end to the rumors with an agreed-upon extension, for now, at least.
Aside from that development, Utah’s offseason hasn’t garnered much positive attention. Many believe Jazz general manager Danny Ainge hasn’t been aggressive enough in improving the team around Markkanen since he sent away former stars Rudy Gobert And Donovan Mitchell. Others insist that the Jazz are still in the process of reorganizing and on the right track, but that is the current view of Ainge and the Jazz leadership. What that means for Markkanen’s future remains to be seen, as the team could still trade him in the future. Regardless, the Jazz see their draft picks as having good upside and some interesting new pieces around Markkanen.
Departures of key players
The most notable was the departure of Kris Dunnwho signed with the Los Angeles Clippers this offseason as a free agent. The backup point guard spent one season in Utah and now joins his fifth team in eight seasons.
Acquisitions of key players
Utah’s offseason featured just one free agent addition Drew Eubanks on a two-year contract. The team’s most targeted acquisitions came in the draft. The Jazz selected Cody Williams, Isaiah Collier, And Kyle Filipowski this summer. Filipowski signed his rookie contract after an impressive summer league resume and will be with the team this season. These young draft picks added to Utah’s already young roster of Georges Keyonte, Walker KesslerAnd Taylor Hendricks show that the Jazz are taking the path of construction and development. Adding free agents Potato mills Last week, Utah’s three-point shooting gave it some life. If Utah has Markkanen in its long-term plans, the team could gradually turn to bigger names next season via trade.
The Future of Lauri Markkanen
Markkanen is a great player and has shown he can become a superstar. His only obstacle is that he has never been on a team that has a chance to compete or win important games. His potential fits perfectly with Steph Curry to Golden State was an attractive trade rumor. Markkanen would have thrived in that situation, as would a move to the Lakers alongside LeBron James And Anthony Davis. Alas, neither scenario happened. Because of his five-year, $238 million contract extension, Markkanen is ineligible for a trade this offseason. That doesn’t preclude future trades out of Utah for the dynamic power forward and former Most Improved Player in the NBA.
Slow reconstruction, good track
Since the departures of Gobert and Mitchell, the Jazz have clearly begun a complete overhaul, and Danny Ainge has a respectable track record of building teams and maneuvering pieces. While the playoffs may not be within Utah’s reach this season, maybe Utah knows what it’s doing, even if it’s the long haul.
