Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal

The only question from the Jazz’s point of view here is why this deal hasn’t gotten done yet. 

Surely, they’re not hesitant about acquiring Westbrook. That should be a non-issue. The rebuilding Jazz could sit him for the year. Alternatively, they could play him – the Jazz should be looking to maximize their lottery odds in 2022-23, and Westbrook hasn’t exactly developed a reputation for contributing to wins at this point of his career. 

Either way, that can’t be the sticking point. Neither should be hanging onto the veterans. Sure, mentorship has value on a rebuilding team.

Still, in year one of the process, draft capital should reign supreme. Moreover, every deal the Jazz have made this summer tells us they understand that concept. 

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Perhaps the deal is held up because the Lakers are holding out for something better. Although, it’s hard to imagine a much better deal than whatever version of a trade the Lakers finally cooked up with the Jazz.

Simply put, we don’t know why a trade hasn’t occurred yet, but we’re confident the hold-up isn’t on Utah’s end. They have every reason to do this deal, for example. 

The Pistons, on the other hand, would have to talk themselves into it.