NBA Draft Rumors: Utah Jazz to trade up?
Although having the fifth-overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft certainly isn’t a bad thing, it clearly isn’t where the Utah Jazz wanted to be.
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That has led to speculation that the Jazz would like to move up in the draft, likely targeting Australian point guard Dante Exum or former Duke Blue Devils’ forward Jabari Parker.
It is possible the Jazz have the ammunition to trade up. Moke Hamilton was asked about a deal that would send guard Alec Burks, center Enes Kanter, the fifth-overall pick and the 35th-overall pick to the Milwaukee Bucks in order to move up to the second spot in the draft.
"Tough to say, Just. Personally, I think 5th, Burks, Kanter AND 35th… in addition to taking back money is A LOT to give up for the Jazz. That said, both teams could benefit from a more reasonable trade. For the Bucks, trading down may make some sense since I (as I said earlier) don’t necessarily like the pairing of Parker and Antetokounmpo. The Bucks may be best served by trading back and going after a point guard.Your trade, as constructed, seems a bit lopsided to me. If I’m the Jazz, I’d consider Kanter, 5th and 35th… but I wouldn’t also surrender Burks AND take back long money."
The smart money is on the Jazz simply making a selection with the fifth-overall pick. They will likely be after former Arizona Wildcats’ power forward Aaron Gordon (link), former Indiana Hoosiers’ big man Noah Vonleh (link) or former Oklahoma State Cowboys’ point guard Marcus Smart (link).