Utah Jazz Receive: F Josh Okogie
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: F Royce O’Neale, F Eric Paschall
This trade would come by way of sign-and-trade. Okogie has a qualifying offer this summer. This deal would see the Jazz giving it to him.
In other words, it probably depends on them to blow it up. If you’re new to reading NBA rumors, here’s a tip: the Jazz might blow it up this summer. If they do, the 23-year-old Okogie is an interesting return for what they’re giving up here. He’s been inconsistent at best during his tenure in the NBA to date, but he still has some upside.
Meanwhile, the Jazz acquire their 3-and-D power forward without giving up Russell. Granted, at 6’5, O’Neale wouldn’t have qualified as a four until very recently in NBA history.
Still, that’s the position he primarily played for the Jazz last year. They’ll still have Vanderbilt on the second unit for matchups that are too large for the grizzled veteran.
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That kind of positional versatility is often the hallmark of a contending team. Paschall is no throw-in either: the 25-year-old power forward holds some offensive value. With that said, the Wolves’ rotation may be a little crowded to make room for him following this deal.
That’s not a major concern. They could trade him separately, or stash him as an insurance policy for injuries. Either way, this trade makes them better for 2022-23.
