The Utah Jazz could consider making moves prior to the February 2017 trade deadline involving teams like the Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings.
The Jazz are one of the surprise teams in the league this season, with the team sitting at No. 5 in the Western Conference standings. After building a roster consisting of talented youngsters and veterans, Utah may finally crack into the postseason. However, if the Jazz wishes to reach deep in the playoffs, now is the time for them to consider moves.
There are two potential deals that could be on the table for the Jazz, according to Dan Favale of Bleacher Report. In Favale's proposed deaks, the Jazz would send Joe Ingles to the Houston Rockets for KJ McDaniels, and move the likes of Shelvin Mack or Raul Neto to the Kings for Kosta Koufos.
Ingles is arguably the most reliable rotation player for the Jazz coming off the bench. The 29-year-old Aussie is playing his best season in Utah, averaging 6.1 points on a staggering 52.2 percent shooting from the field, including 50 from beyond the arc. On the other hand, the addition of George Hill has seen Mack and Neto's minutes significantly drop this season, but both have still emerged as solid backup point guards for the Jazz.
It is unclear whether the Jazz would have interest in McDaniels or Koufos, much less consider trading pieces of their core roster. But neither of the aforementioned trade targets would strongly boost Utah's chances of competing well in the postseason.
Ingles has close connections with soon-to-be free agent Gordon Hayward, and if the Jazz wants to keep the latter long-term, trading the former is a move they must avoid. Mack and Neto have more chances of becoming trade chips for the Jazz, but a package consisting of the two would hardly net Utah a game-changer.
Nevertheless, it would be intriguing to see the Jazz attempt to explore the trade market. Utah's roster has a strong chance of making the playoffs, and finding the right piece may push them back into title contention this season.
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