3 Optimal Offseason Moves for the Utah Jazz.
The Utah Jazz’s turbulent 2023-24 season ended in heartbreak, almost as if directed by Shakespeare rather than Will Hardy. With the season concluded, the Jazz can now focus on what needs to be adjusted for the upcoming season.
All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen is now the franchise cornerstone, someone who would require a substantial trade offer to acquire.
Keyonte George, the 2023 No. 16 pick, and Walker Kessler, the 2022 No. 22 pick, are also key players for the team.
Now, the Jazz need to figure out how to best build around them.
### 1. Draft a Shooter
The 2024 NBA Draft could be ripe with trades, given the circulating rumors. Regardless, the Jazz need to be ready to trade their No. 10 pick if necessary.
With the No. 29 and No. 32 picks, Creighton senior Baylor Scheierman could be a prime target. A 6-foot-7 wing with an excellent shooting touch, Scheierman averaged 18.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 0.9 steals per game last season.
Scheierman is an outstanding shooter with a 40.4% 3-point shooting average over the past four seasons. His versatility in shooting—whether spotting up, off screens, or pulling up—makes him a valuable asset. With the Jazz ranking 22nd in 3-point percentage in 2023-24, they need to bolster their shooting abilities.
Scheierman’s strong rebounding and playmaking skills will keep him on the court, aligning with Hardy’s preference for multi-dimensional players. Although his defense needs improvement, his knack for forcing turnovers is promising.
### 2. Sign a Mobile Center
With $38.1 million in projected cap space, the Jazz can afford to sign a veteran point guard as a mentor for George. However, they should retain Jordan Clarkson, who has already been mentoring George and is a reliable scorer and playmaker.
The Jazz should target Isaiah Hartenstein from the New York Knicks. Hartenstein’s mobility would complement Kessler’s shot-blocking prowess. The Knicks can offer Hartenstein up to $16.2 million annually, but the Jazz could outbid them and offer a starting role, which might secure his signing.
### 3. Trade for a Star
A three-team trade involving the Jazz, Chicago Bulls, and Miami Heat could be beneficial. In this scenario, the Bulls would receive Collin Sexton, Jimmy Butler, the No. 10 pick, and several minimum-salary players from Utah. The Heat would get DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic, while the Jazz would acquire Zach LaVine.
This trade would bring Butler back to the Bulls, offering them a defensive leader and offensive catalyst. Sexton would replace LaVine as a go-to scorer, bringing energy to the team. The Heat would improve their durability with DeRozan and address their rebounding issues with Vucevic.
For the Jazz, this trade would resolve backcourt tensions by replacing Sexton with LaVine. LaVine’s established career, including multiple All-Star appearances and superior jump shooting and playmaking abilities, would command more respect and provide a better fit for the team’s dynamics. Despite a down year in 2023-24, LaVine’s previous five seasons, averaging 25.1 points per game, indicate his potential to contribute significantly.
