Why The Utah Jazz Make The Trade
The Utah Jazz’s interest in this trade is contingent on Bradley Beal’s mindset. If he’s open to committing to them long-term, it may be in their best interest.
The star guard has a Player Option this summer. If he signed it, the Jazz would risk trading Donovan Mitchell for a one-year rental and a first-round pick. That is, by any standard, a bad return.
On the other hand, if Beal was willing to decline that option and sign a long-term extension, this trade makes sense for Utah. Like the Wizards, they can simply plug Beal into Mitchell’s place. That would allow them to keep 3x Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert.
With some minor modifications, they could even improve for 2022-23. This team needs stronger perimeter defenders. With the acquisition of a 3-and-D wing or two, they may not even miss Mitchell after making this trade. That holds doubly true if Beal has a bounce-back season.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Intriguing Blockbuster Trades We’d Like To See This Offseason
If he’s happy to play for them, he may even be an upgrade. There’s no overstating what a happy star can do to keep a locker room healthy. The Jazz may need that culture reset as badly as they need anything else.
