Houston Rockets Receive: C Udoka Azubuike, G Jared Butler

Utah Jazz Receive: F Jae’Sean Tate, F David Nwaba

At the risk of stating the obvious, this Houston Rockets deal only benefits the Utah Jazz if Donovan Mitchell doesn’t demand a trade. Furthermore, it also requires that he’s not only willing to stay in Utah but willing to do so alongside Rudy Gobert.

Those are two very sizeable ifs. Still, in those circumstances, this Rockets deal could give the Jazz the perimeter defensive aces they need. Both Tate and Nwaba are high-IQ, high-energy players on that side of the floor.

Meanwhile, the Rockets get two young players to aid their rebuild. Azubuike could give them the rim protection that, as the league’s second-worst defensive team, they desperately need.

Whether the Kevin Porter Jr. at point guard experiment works or not, they could use a heady, effortful young floor general like Jared Butler.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Best Trade Knicks Could Offer Jazz For Donovan Mitchell

If the rumor mill is to be trusted, the Jazz won’t make any of these deals. They appear likely to ship both Mitchell and Gobert off in an effort to launch a rebuild.

We wouldn’t trust anyone telling you they can predict what’s going to happen in the National Basketball Association.