LA Clippers Receive: C Jonas Valanciunas
Utah Jazz Receive: F/C Marcus Morris Sr., G Devonte’ Graham, G/F Herbert Jones, 2023 First-Round Pick (LAL via NOP), 2024 First-Round Pick (MIL via NOP), 2025 First-Round Pick (NOP), 2026 First-Round Pick (Swap – NOP) 2029 First-Round Pick (Top 5 Protected – LAC)
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: G Donovan Mitchell
These days, it’s hard to put together a hypothetical trade without including the Utah Jazz.
Along with the Brooklyn Nets, the whole trade market effectively centers around their decisions. Here, the Jazz trade Mitchell to a suitor he’s not frequently associated with.
Critics will be concerned with the Pelicans’ defense following this deal. To be sure, it won’t be ideal. A backcourt of Mitchell and McCollum stands to particularly suffer in that area. They’re losing arguably their best defensive player in Herb Jones to boot.
On the other hand, it might be difficult for Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Mitchell and McCollum not to assemble the best offense in the league. This front office could easily be justified in feeling like that’s a worthy trade-off.
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Finally, the Clippers get involved to land their new starting center. Valanciunas and current Clipper Ivica Zubac have a nice set of contrasting skills that will make them a formidable platoon at the position. As for the Jazz, if Herb Jones, four unprotected first-round picks, and a swap don’t satisfy them, they may not be trading Mitchell after all.
