The Utah Jazz head into Thursday’s action with a 27-22 record and tied for the sixth spot in the Western Conference. After struggling to the tune of a 14-17 mark to start the season, things have turned around recently in Salt Lake. Utah is 13-5 in its past 18 games.
This string of success comes as the NBA prepares for next month’s trade deadline — something that the Jazz will reportedly be heavily involved in.
According to this report from The Athletic’s Tony Jones, Utah is interested in both Memphis Grizzlies star guard Mike Conley and Washington Wizards wing Otto Porter Jr.
“According to sources, the Jazz have expressed interest in Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley and Wizards small forward Otto Porter Jr., both of whom have been put on the trade block by their respective teams,” the report read.
Conley is obviously the big name here. It was just recently noted that the 31-year-old former lottery pick was placed on the trade block by a Grizzlies squad that’s attempting to rebuild.
After missing a vast majority of last season to injury (all but 12 games), Conley has returned to form this year. He’s averaging 20.0 points and 6.0 assists while shooting at a 36 percent clip from distance.
Conley is also considered one of the elite perimeter defenders in the game — something that current starting Jazz point guard Ricky Rubio can’t claim.
It’s not yet known what Utah would be able to offer outside of draft assets for Conley. But given that he’s playing under a five-year, $152.6 million deal, salary fillers would be needed.