Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
It should be. Let’s go back to that concept of trade value again. How much do Mike Conley and Bojan Bogdanovic have?
We’re not going to say Conley couldn’t fetch a first-round pick on his own. We’re only going to say we’re not entirely convinced he could either. Conley is a fantastic player. He’s also 34 and owed $22.6 in each of the next two seasons.
Furthermore, his dimunitive stature has made him a defensive liability in his older age. Meanwhile, Bojan Bogdanovic is on an expiring contract. That may be a selling point for rebuilding teams, but contenders could be apprehensive to part with future capital in exchange for a potential rental.
A massive, expiring deal and an unprotected first-rounder feels like fair value for the two combined. This deal gets Conley’s (slightly) larger contract off the books for a suddenly rebuilding Utah Jazz squad, and they get a first-round pick in the process.
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Of course, we’re assuming the Jazz are rebuilding this summer in this scenario. They haven’t traded Donovan Mitchell yet. Provided that they do, expect a fire sale to follow.
