Breaking: In order to bolster his squad significantly this summer, the Jazz splashes millions of $ on Tennessee reigning player of the year.
Danny Ainge , the CEO of Basketball Operations for the Utah Jazz, announced a few weeks ago that he intends to bolster his squad significantly this summer, and they will be able to begin by selecting players in the 2024 NBA Draft.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Utah Jazz hold the No. 10, 29 and 32 overall picks this summer, which they may use in a trade to acquire a star player.
According to league insiders who spoke with HoopsHype, Utah is anticipated to investigate dealing the No. 10 overall choice and the other first-round picks this season. “Ainge has actively watched the trade market, and there’s a belief among some in the league that Utah’s owner, Ryan Smith, would like to add more star talent to the Jazz.”
In his column, Scotto also mentioned that the Utah Jazz might select Dalton Knecht, the SEC Player of the Year, out of Tennessee with the No. 10 pick if they were unable to make any trades that would be beneficial.
However, in their most recent mock draft, the Utah Jazz are predicted to select guard Stephon Castle of the UConn Huskies with that particular pick.
Plans for the Utah Jazz’s other offseason
The Utah Jazz must make a decision regarding the immediate futures of forwards Lauri Markkanen and John Collins in addition to the 2024 NBA Draft.
With just one year remaining on his current contract, Lauri Markkanen is qualified for a maximum four-year extension worth up to $200 million.
The Finnish shooter, who played in 55 regular-season games for the Utah Jazz, is coming off a strong season in which he averaged 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game on 48/40/90 shooting splits.
Regarding John Collins, the Utah Jazz are still looking into trades for him. With two years remaining on his current deal, the explosive forward may activate a $26.58 million player option for the 2025–2026 campaign.
After 66 regular-season games, Collins concluded the 2023–24 season with averages of 15.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game on 53.2 percent shooting from the field.
