Reader Q&A: Keeping Conley, Tax Man Cometh, Trade Ideas & More

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Yeah, we get it: it feels loopy to speak about trades when the staff we cowl is at present 19-5, having received all however as soon as of their final 16 contests. The Jazz are rolling, and as tempting as it’s to deal with this like NBA2K and simply preserve tinkering for the sake of tinkering, the staff already seems on a course towards competition.

That stated, commerce season is heating up in earnest. Most gamers who signed offseason offers had their commerce restriction lifted Saturday, so almost everybody within the league is tradeable once more. (For Utah, meaning Derrick Favors, Jordan Clarkson and Shaq Harrison will be dealt. We’ll drop a full record of who can and nonetheless can’t be traded on the backside of the article.) Which means the rumor mill is about to select up between now and the March 25 commerce deadline.

The Jazz appear to actually like their present group, and with good cause. They’ve a stable 9-man rotation that has captured the NBA’s greatest document whereas posting elite defensive and offensive numbers. They’ll win in quite a lot of methods, they usually have two All-Stars below 30 locked up for the long run. There’s an excellent probability they’ll belief their latest strikes and conduct just some minor housekeeping transactions — or none in any respect.

However simply in case they do greater than that, we requested to your questions concerning the Jazz’s roster, property and wage cap. Right here’s one author’s greatest guess as to the solutions:


With Rudy Gobert’s and Donovan Mitchell’s new contracts kicking in, what are the chances of resigning Mike Conley within the offseason? He’s been enjoying very well this season. @cmkop

The Jazz can undoubtedly re-sign Conley — in the event that they’re prepared to pay the posh tax. The “Chook rights” they acquired with Conley of their 2019 commerce enable them to signal him to any quantity as much as his max wage, however even a contract beginning at half that quantity would push them properly into the tax for subsequent season. So it’s only a query of what they’re snug providing, or whether or not Conley merely desires to play elsewhere. Provided that he’s coming into the later stage of his profession, Utah most likely desires to remain properly under max wage on a brand new deal, however in addition they definitely acknowledge his great affect on successful.

I’ll have one thing quickly on what the marketplace for Conley might appear like. Some middling-to-bad groups might use cap house to make a run on the veteran guard. However somebody just like the Clippers or Lakers must attempt to entice him with a a lot smaller contract. Dallas and Miami had been saving their cash for Giannis Antetokounmpo and will redirect their power to somebody like Mike — however they hardly appear like contenders in the mean time.

The opposite human angle to that is the truth that Conley has by no means skilled free company. Each instances he would have been a free agent, he prolonged early as an alternative. So he may be wanting ahead to being wooed and listening to groups pitch him on their imaginative and prescient.

However so far as the Jazz being financially capable of re-sign him — sure, they will. It is going to put them within the tax, but it surely feels like they’re prepared to do this for a staff that’s fairly near competition.

Conley is enjoying superior however does it make any sense to commerce him for one thing if Jazz don’t plan to retain him? Do they plan to retain him as a result of any possible quantity places them within the tax, however a commerce that matched wage places them in tax subsequent yr too? @Dan44469078

Effectively to start with, the Jazz very a lot plan to retain him — or at the very least to attempt. It might even be laborious to get equal on-court worth in a commerce given Conley’s age and expiring contract. With a respectable shot to make some noise this season, I can’t see them downgrading from Conley at this pivotal second of their window simply out of worry for what may occur in August. And if he does depart, it’s not like they get actually nothing in return — if nothing else, his wage slot coming off would give them flexibility to consider how they’d like to make use of their exceptions. They might additionally attempt to work along with his new staff to create a big commerce exception.

I at all times get confused about commerce exceptions. How can they be used? Any concepts how the Jazz might use theirs in the event that they really feel they will win all of it and (new Jazz proprietor) Ryan Smith is prepared to pay the value? @JazzNationBr

Commerce participant exceptions (TPEs) are created when a staff brings again much less wage in a commerce than they ship out. It creates a “credit score” they will use for 12 months. Utah at present has three of them: $5M from the Ed Davis deal, $3.5M from Tony Bradley and $1.5M from Rayjon Tucker. They’ll’t be added collectively, they usually can’t be mixed with gamers’ salaries. You’ll be able to solely purchase a participant (or gamers) with wage that matches right into a single TPE, with $100,000 of wiggle room. (Whilst you can’t combination TPEs with different wage, you should use them in the identical commerce. For instance, the Jazz might theoretically commerce, say, Udoka Azubuike and purchase a $3M participant and a $4M participant, as a result of they may use Dok’s wage to amass the $3M man and the Davis TPE to amass the $4M man.)

What complicates issues this yr is the truth that the Jazz are hard-capped. As a result of they used a non-taxpayer exception so as to add Favors, they’re prohibited from going over the apron ($138.9M) at any level this season. So it’s not even about Smith’s “willingness” to tackle extra wage. At a sure level, they simply actually can’t. These specific TPEs shall be obtainable into the offseason in the event that they don’t use them now — though truthfully, most smaller TPEs expire unused.

How a lot wage would Utah must shed to remain below the tax this yr? It’s laborious to pin down with the assorted incentives in contracts and I’m undecided how contracts traded mid-season issue into tax calculations. @RossHunneds

If Gobert makes the All-Star staff, is that an additional $1 million they’d must shed? Wasn’t the sooner situation to duck the tax reducing Shaq Harrison plus considered one of Miye Oni/Juwan Morgan? Appears fairly unlikely at this level. @zarinf

Yeah, incentive particulars are laborious to nail down. Additionally, Morgan counts barely larger than his precise wage for tax functions: $1.7M as an alternative of $1.52M. If the estimates I’ve pieced collectively are proper, the Jazz are $2.07M into the tax. Gobert’s $1M All-Star bonus is already included in that determine; as a result of he was an All-Star final yr, that bonus is taken into account “seemingly” and is already mirrored in his wage. If different guys have bonuses that they didn’t hit final yr (“unlikely”) however they do attain this season, it might push the quantity larger. However for proper now, they would want to maneuver a pair million to dodge the tax.

Gamers traded in season come off a staff’s cap sheet fully, however gamers waived in season nonetheless rely in direction of the tax: both at their assured quantity or based mostly on the prorated wage they earned thus far. So the Jazz can’t merely waive non-guaranteed guys and get below the tax. They’d must discover a staff to take them. Then they’d have to switch them on the roster, however they may try this cheaply with 10-day contracts or prorated remainder of season offers.

So yeah, Zarin is true: at this level, the one strategy to dodge the tax with out transferring a rotation man can be to dump two smaller salaries, then change them with prorated minimal contracts after the deadline. Harrison hasn’t seen actual rotation minutes but (because the meme says, I’m disappoint), however another person must be moved as properly. Georges Niang is just too ensconsed within the rotation. Oni and Morgan have each appeared promising when referred to as upon. They most likely don’t need to transfer their 2020 draft picks, Azubuike and Elijah Hughes, in a pure wage dump. So I’m undecided they’ll do it, until there’s somebody they know they will get within the veteran buyout market. Quin Snyder doesn’t use his eleventh by way of 14th males lots anyway, which is why I initially thought they’d pull this maneuver. However they might simply chunk the bullet.

I preserve serious about a wing defender off the bench who can stick with fast scoring guards, to keep away from the Jamal Murray disaster from final yr. When can Kris Dunn be obtained? What may it take to get him? Or can little Shaq try this if want be? @mattpacenza

Jazz are contenders this season. With that stated, do you assume a commerce to enhance their skill to defend seemingly playoff foes like James, Leonard and Nikola Jokic, who can feast come playoff time? Is there a defensive participant you assume the Jazz can purchase with out chemistry points? @EcclesRice

What sort of transfer would make sense that wouldn’t disrupt the clear chemistry of this staff? An extended, athletic wing who might assist test some wings the opposite contenders have would assist. Is there any manner Royce can develop one other 3 inches and stretch his arms? @Capneo1

Tackling these questions collectively, as they’re all about several types of gamers the Jazz purportedly can’t guard. You’d by no means guess they had been the league’s #2 protection!

Let’s discuss their protection for a minute: the Jazz have a novel type that emphasizes the skills of possibly the galaxy’s greatest defender. As a result of they guard a sure manner, they’ve determined that they don’t essentially want lockdown defenders at each place. Gobert’s presence permits perimeter defenders to aggressively deny shooters, daring them to enterprise as an alternative into the windmill arms of the 2-time DPOY. They know that guys will sometimes rating (their rim protection is definitely fairly common as a result of they’re begging guys to drive as an alternative of shoot threes), however they’re enjoying the odds.

So when a participant will get massive numbers, that doesn’t at all times imply they “can’t guard” that man. Typically they need a staff/participant to attain in a sure (much less environment friendly) manner becuase it places a ceiling on their opponent’s manufacturing within the greater 5-on-5 image and provides them an opportunity to win. Just like the Jokic instance: it’d really feel exasperating to see the massive fella drop 26+ on .624 true capturing in that playoff sequence, however the Jazz had been +5.1 in Jokic’s minutes for the sequence. They selected to give attention to limiting his different nice talent (facilitating), realizing he would rating. And in a 5-on-5 sense, it allowed the Jazz to play successful basketball throughout Jokic’s minutes. (Then this previous Sunday they tried one thing totally different on him and it simply plain didn’t work. However the level is we must always consider how the protection works in opposition to a staff as an entire, not simply have a look at one participant’s stats and assume the Jazz are flawed.)

At any charge, again to the particular questions… Dunn will be traded began Saturday, however the sense I get is that the Jazz aren’t very as a result of he’s so restricted offensively. And right here comes a giant record of bigger defensive wings…

Can we get an inventory of at record of huge wings who’re common 3 pt shooters who’re additionally plus defenders? Actually I’m considering somebody who can at the very least considerably test the Kawhis and LeBrons of the world who can even slot in our offensive system. They appear like actually uncommon gamers. After which are you able to proceed to interrupt our hearts and inform us why it’s close to inconceivable to amass a man like that with out giving up an excessive amount of of what we’ve. @caseygreer2

I really made simply such an inventory earlier than free company. There have been simply 16 wings final season who shot at the very least 35% on catch-and-shoot threes, had been constructive in Defensive PIPM, and had been above common guarding the ball in each pick-and-roll and iso conditions. Sixteen. Two of them are already employed by the Jazz: Royce O’Neale and Joe Ingles.

Most of the remaining 14 are unattainable All-Stars (Kawhi Leonard, Pascal Siakam, Khris Middleton, James Harden, Gordon Hayward, LeBron James). Then there are a handful of recognized 3-and-D specialists. Trevor Ariza has but to play this season, although, and Wesley Matthews is having a down yr at age 34. O.G. Anunoby has a pending extension that complicates the commerce math (and doubtless isn’t obtainable anyway) and Gary Harris most likely makes an excessive amount of.

That leaves 4 younger fellas. I really like Bruce Brown, Matysse Thybulle and Sterling Brown, however they’re all 6-foot-5 or smaller. Brandon Clarke is 6-foot-8, however he’s a stud on yr two of a rookie contract, so good luck getting Memphis to select up the cellphone.

You may definitely chill out a number of the standards and get extra names within the combine. (Harrison, for instance, was under common guarding isos, however hit all the different standards, a part of why I appreciated him for the Jazz.) And I haven’t checked but to see if anyone new is hitting these standards this season.

Hate to be a hater, however I hate the shortage of effort from Bojan Bogdanovic, regardless that he has a lovely set of offensive abilities. What do you assume we might get for him? Might we get higher by transferring him? @Josemaybe

I don’t agree about Bogey’s effort, and once more, I believe you need to put a participant’s actions within the context of what’s being requested of him throughout the offensive and defensive methods. I believe the Jazz are, broadly talking, fairly proud of Bogey. He’s not off the desk fully, however you’re not more likely to get an actual star again in a Bogey commerce. So would a extra lateral type of commerce (assume Harrison Barnes or Tim Hardaway Jr.) be definitely worth the attainable chemistry disruption? Possibly. Typically title groups recover from the hump by taking that threat. I believe the Jazz preserve Bogey, although.

What’s Niang’s upside given his evolution, dimension and lateral velocity (not the quickest)? Is he a long run Jazzman? @miller_tom

At their most bullish, the Jazz had been enthusiastic about Niang as a possible Ingles sort participant: a giant wing with candy capturing and a few facilitation abilities. They’ve most likely toned down the projection since then (testing him out on the 3 early final season largely didn’t work). However so long as Niang can defend contained in the Jazz’s scheme — once more, he doesn’t essentially should be a 1-on-1 stopper — I believe he’ll have alternatives. He might be just a little extra constant from outdoors for somebody thought-about to be a capturing specialist, however I believe the important thing for him to remain in an NBA rotation is staying in entrance of men when he’s speculated to.

I don’t assume the Jazz are gonna do something, however I’m to listen to what you assume goes to occur with JJ Reddick? @jazzfandanman

Yeah, I’m undecided Redick provides a element to the Jazz they don’t have already got lined, so I agree with you there. I’d say watch Philly (Doc Rivers connection), however they’re additionally rolling, so they might not need to mess with issues and quit items. It’s extra seemingly he winds up with somebody simply outdoors the contender class. He might actually assist Dallas, though a whole lot of their issues are on the defensive finish.

The place do you assume Beal finally ends up? Of his record of 5 groups, which one do you assume is most definitely to commerce for him? @punk_003

Beal’s record was considerably shocking, in that it included a few groups that you just don’t at all times hear atop stars’ commerce demand lists. Of these 5 groups, it’s laborious to think about the Lakers and Clippers touchdown him, asset-wise. Miami largely has older veterans on brief contracts, so their provide must be fairly draft-heavy, they usually’re strapped there; they will’t commerce a primary till 2027. So I assume we’ve to attend and see if Dallas (Kristaps Porzingis?) or New Orleans (Brandon Ingram? Lonzo Ball?) shall be prepared to half with a significant piece or two to get him.

Any manner the Jazz might get P.J. Tucker with out dropping the principle 8 guys? @JazzNationBr

I don’t assume the Jazz are after him, frankly. At this level, Tucker primarily provides worth as a stretch 5 on a staff that wishes to play 5-out. That’s not the Jazz’s id, and he doesn’t do any of the issues Snyder desires from his facilities. (He isn’t an anchor massive on D, and he’s constantly and legitimately dangerous as a roll finisher on offense.) So that you’d must need to deploy him at PF, however he’s solely a mean 3-point shooter and there’s a rising record of individuals he can’t keep in entrance of. He’s simply not an excellent match for what Utah wants or how Utah performs. (And salary-wise, you’d nearly have to incorporate a kind of predominant eight guys within the bundle anyway, so… no.)

Nemanja Bjelica for Niang & commerce exceptions? @Dan44469078

Commerce exceptions can’t be mixed with a participant, so this commerce wouldn’t work. In the event that they wished Bjelly, they’d must ship out at the very least $4.06M. (There’s additionally an opportunity Bjelica might ask for a buyout since he’s expiring and since they hardly ever use him.)

Not a query of if, however when Kevin Love will get his buyout, do the Jazz have the means to go after him? @AlzonaRodel

I don’t assume he will get purchased out. Financially it is mindless (he’s nonetheless owed $60M after this season) which might be why a neighborhood reporter shot the rumor down, citing a team source. So we might discuss how he’s a 32-year-old who has missed 136 video games (and counting) within the final 5 seasons, together with the present one. Or about how the fashionable recreation asks various things of NBA fours than in Love’s 25-and-12 heyday. Nevertheless it’s most likely all moot anyway. The one manner a buyout would make sense for the Cavs can be if Love surrendered actually tens of tens of millions — which I don’t assume he’ll do.

Some obtainable FAs to around the staff rotation like Kyle Korver or Ersan Ilyasova? @AlzonaRodel

ff the Jazz do wind up making the tax dodge play and there are veterans prepared to fill deep bench holes and not using a assure of minutes, they may have a look at these guys. I simply don’t see any present free brokers who would actually improve Utah’s rotation. Korver and Ilyasova had been barely inside Milwaukee’s rotation final yr, and Korver specifically has sounded fairly not sure about persevering with to play. One of the best obtainable free agent by 2019-20 WAR is Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, however the Jazz have veered away from gamers along with his sort of offensive limitations. Then there are one-dimensional bigs like John Henson and Kyle O’Quinn, neither of whom would discover any minutes in Utah, or tiny guards Shabazz Napier and Jordan McLaughlin. Actually everyone else at present obtainable as a free agent was a replacement-level participant final yr (or was out of the league). I simply don’t see anyone on the free agent market at present who would undoubtedly make Utah’s rotation higher. Buyout market possibly.

Jerami Grant for Bojan? @landon182blinka

All season I’ve kinda liked the thought of in some way swapping Bojan for Jerami Grant, however I simply don’t see it occurring. Solely actual commerce I believe might make us higher. @Novembrdowncast

I get the enchantment: Grant has proven he can manufacture offense and never simply be an opportunistic scorer. He’s additionally 5 years youthful than Bogey. The Jazz get lots from Bogey’s pure stroke and gravitational pull, however you can argue that Grant makes up for that along with his athleticism and defensive chops. From Utah’s perspecitve, it’s at the very least an fascinating thought train. Largely, I can’t think about why Detroit would play alongside. They’re clearly not contending within the brief time period, so Bogey (at almost 32) won’t match into Piston GM Troy Weaver’s timeline. 


Wow, that was a whole lot of good questions! Thanks for the dialogue. Beneath is a full record of particulars on the commerce restrictions that elevate this weekend, and others that expire later.

Commerce restrictions and dates concerning numerous NBA gamers.

Replace: add Dennis Smith Jr. and Derrick Rose to the record of gamers who can’t be aggregated in trades in the intervening time, after their groups agreed to a swap on Sunday.


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