On his latest podcast, Zach Lowe talked about the Utah Jazz and their upcoming offseason. There was some really interesting moves that Lowe reavealed. Here’s some of the interesting tidbits from the podcast.
Surprise firings, not hires
According to Zach Lowe, the Utah Jazz let go of two of their lead scouts a few weeks before the Austin Ainge hire. It’s a surprise that obviously wasn’t broadcast by the team. They talked about the failure of the Cody Williams pick that has been really bad. Maybe Cody Williams figures it out, and we all hope he does, but that was a rough miss. Ainge is clearly being brought in to lead the team into the future, but I’m sure the hope is that he can help the Jazz improve their drafting .
A potential trade of Lauri Markkanen is very possible
Here are some things that Zach Lowe said about Lauri Markkanen, as well as the future of the team.
First, he mentioned how surprised he was at the media in the Utah Market interpreting Ainge’s comments that tanking was over. He said he expects the Jazz to stay patient. They can play all their guys and finish 14th in the West because of how good it is.
I agree with Lowe, it was strange how much the local media lost their mind over a comment that was so obviously about lineup manipulation rather than “the end of tanking.”
I transcribed the below quote because it was about Lauri Markkanen and trade possibilities.
In regards to making a big move, and looking for someone to play with Lauri Markkanen, and on Markkanen’s timeline, here’s what he said. “As they do that, if they’re not going to add, something really big they can add, and someone comes to them, not with a godfather offer, but with a strong offer for Markkanen, I think they have to consider taking it, and would consider taking it, because does he fit their timeline any more?”
Lowe also goes on to mention that Lauri Markkanen probably doesn’t want to spend the next few years on bad Jazz teams. He also mentioned that Lauri Markkanen’s contract is an issue, making $46M a year, and he didn’t play particularly well last season. He does say that he thinks Markkanen has positive trade value, though.
Basically, the message is to keep an eye on the Jazz because it’s clear that moves are coming this offseason.
