Utah Jazz Receive: G Devonte’ Graham, F/C Jaxson Hayes
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G Mike Conley
This deal basically boils down to one question for each team: how badly do they want to win in 2022-23
The Utah Jazz may not want to win at all. They already shipped Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves for a draft-focused return. If they plan on shipping Donovan Mitchell out this summer, they ought to accept this deal.
After all, they’ll be distinctly rebuilding following this trade. On the other hand, that won’t be an option for the Pelicans next year. There’s no question they’ll be chasing as many wins as possible in 2022-23.
Mike Conley will aid that cause. In 2021-22, the Pelicans gave CJ McCollum run at the point guard. It worked to an extent, but they’d still benefit from slotting him back to his natural 2 position.
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The question is, does Conley move the needle enough for the Pelicans to part with Hayes’ potential?