Utah Jazz Get Future Draft Picks In Golden State Warriors Trade
The Utah Jazz decided to lend the Golden State Warriors a helping hand by absorbing the contracts of Andris Biedrins, Brandon Rush and Richard Jefferson, while only sending Kevin Murphy the other way. So, what’s the catch, you might ask? The Jazz are naturally getting draft picks in return.
Golden State will send first-round picks in 2014 and 2017 to the Jazz, league sources tell Y! Sports.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 5, 2013
The trade has allowed the Warriors to land Andre Iguodala, but Utah will be extremely happy with this trade as well. Sure, the Jazz will suck next season, but that is exactly the point. With the three incoming players filling up the majority of Utah’s cap space, the roster will be filled out with mediocre players. With a very talented 2014 draft class ahead, you can call the Jazz an early favorite for a top-lottery pick which could net a franchise player.
The three incoming contracts will expire after next season, so while the Jazz will likely be terrible next year, it doesn’t jeopardize the team’s future flexibility in free agency. Basically, the Jazz can now calmly tank, allow Enes Kanter, Derrick Favors and Trey Burke develop, and can also enjoy two future first-rounders.