As teams around them continue to make moves, where do the Utah Jazz stand this summer? Jazz executive Danny Ainge knows he has plenty of assets to work with, hoping to build upon last season’s momentum and he’s already added John Collins. Could the Jazz keep adding stars? Even getting involved in the Damian Lillard sweepstakes?
It’s possible, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic, who noted if the Portland Trail Blazers are unable to reach an agreement with one of Lillard’s preferred destinations such as Miami, then a team like Utah could become aggressive too.
Despite being with the Blazers for 11 seasons, just as long as Bradley Beal was in Washington, unlike Beal, Lillard doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract. He can be traded anywhere.
This is key since the Trail Blazers have indicated their intentions to do what’s best for the team, and not necessarily what’s best for Lillard’s future. So a team like Utah, who holds a total of 14 future first-round picks between now and 2029, could become a viable option for the seven-time All-NBA point guard.
If the Jazz did emerge as a top contender to land Lillard, 24-year-old point guard Collin Sexton would likely be included in the deal. This would likely involve a third team too, with Scoot Henderson expected to have a firm grasp of the lead ballhandling role in Portland for years to come.
But a package of picks and Sexton likely isn’t enough to get it done. Seeing what else the Jazz are willing to include could be where Utah stands out among the pack. We’ll see if Ainge and the rest of the front office can grab Portland’s attention this summer.