The Utah Jazz have been one of the most active teams in the NBA ahead of the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline. Despite playing above expectations for the second consecutive season, they are intent on being sellers.
In their first trade, they sent Simone Fontecchio to the Detroit Pistons, acquiring Kevin Knox II, the draft rights to Gabriele Procida and a 2024 second-round pick via the Washington Wizards. Based on how Washington is playing, that is going to be a top-three second-rounder.
They continued their firesale on Thursday afternoon. Center Kelly Olynyk and wing Ochai Agbaji are on their way to the Toronto Raptors. In exchange, the Jazz are receiving Kira Lewis Jr., Otto Porter Jr. and a 2024 first-round pick. The first-round pick, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, will be the least favorable out of picks from the Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets and Jazz.
This is an interesting trade for the Raptors, who have been in clear selling mode all season. They traded OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks for a package that included Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kelly Olynyk, Ochai Agbaji, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, Updates
In their blockbuster centered around Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers, they received Bruce Brown and three first-round picks. Brown is a hot commodity on the trade market and could be flipped for more assets in the coming hours.
Trading away a first-round pick certainly seems odd, but Toronto is overflowing with picks. They not get a look at a 2022 first-rounder in Agbaji and see if he can develop with more consistent playing time North of the Border.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kelly Olynyk, Ochai Agbaji, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, Updates
As for the Jazz, their intent is clear. They are looking to stockpile as many assets as possible, as they too are overflowing with draft capital. Danny Ainge has put the franchise in a position to be players for any star players looking for a change of scenery based on all of the assets he has acquired over the last year and a half in trades.
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