The Utah Jazz are sitting at 10-15, and if the season ended today, they’d be handing over their 2026 first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder - unless it lands in the top eight. Right now, that pick would be on the move. And around the league, that’s raising eyebrows.
Executives are starting to wonder: Will Utah pivot toward the trade market to subtly weaken the roster and improve their draft odds - all in the name of keeping that pick? It’s a fair question.
But so far, the Jazz aren’t signaling a fire sale. In fact, quite the opposite.
Utah’s Stance on Lauri Markkanen
Despite steady interest from rival teams, the Jazz are continuing to build around Lauri Markkanen. The Finnish forward has drawn plenty of attention from teams like the Pistons, Spurs, and Grizzlies in the past - all of whom would love to add a versatile scorer with size and shooting touch. But Utah appears committed to keeping Markkanen as a foundational piece rather than using him as a trade chip.
Eyes on 2026 Cap Space
Looking ahead, the Jazz are positioning themselves for a potentially big summer in 2026. With significant cap space opening up, Utah plans to be active - whether that’s through free agency or by absorbing contracts in trades. They’re laying the groundwork now for a roster upgrade down the line.
One name they’re clearly prioritizing is Walker Kessler. The young big man continues to be a key part of Utah’s long-term plans.
The Jazz reportedly turned down a trade offer from the Lakers that mirrored the one L.A. made for Hornets center Mark Williams - a clear sign they’re not eager to part with Kessler. Utah could carry a cap hold of about $14.6 million for him next summer, then go over the cap to re-sign him on a larger deal.
Around the League: Trade Buzz Heating Up
Charlotte Hornets: All Eyes on Brandon Miller
The Hornets are finally getting a chance to see what their core looks like when healthy - with LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, and Miles Bridges all available. But there’s some chatter around Miller.
His up-and-down availability has some execs wondering if the former No. 2 overall pick is still considered untouchable in trade talks. That’s not to say Charlotte is shopping him - but the perception may be shifting.
Trey Murphy III Drawing Interest - But Don’t Expect a Fire Sale
Trey Murphy III is getting real attention from teams like the Warriors and Trail Blazers. Golden State, in particular, is reportedly high on the Pelicans wing. But here’s the twist: league insiders believe the Warriors would rather save their biggest trade assets for a potential run at Giannis Antetokounmpo than go all-in on Murphy.
As for New Orleans, they’re not exactly eager to part with Murphy either. Some execs believe it would take a haul similar to what Memphis received for Desmond Bane to even get the Pelicans to the table. That’s a high bar.
Pacers, Kings Talk Shop - Jarace Walker Mentioned
The Pacers have been linked to Kings guard Keon Ellis, and now we’re hearing that Indiana forward Jarace Walker came up in exploratory talks between the two teams. It’s unclear which side brought up his name, and nothing appears imminent. But it’s a name to keep an eye on as trade season heats up.
Jonathan Kuminga: Still on the Radar in Sacramento
The Kings are continuing to keep tabs on Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga. The Suns, however, have cooled on their interest, and the Nets were never seriously in the mix. The Pelicans had been linked to Kuminga in the past, but it’s unclear where they currently stand.
Cameron Payne, Malik Beasley Drawing Overseas Interest
On the international front, Serbian powerhouse Partizan Belgrade - recently connected to Malik Beasley - is also showing interest in free-agent point guard Cameron Payne. Meanwhile, Beasley has drawn looks from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in the EuroLeague, as well as several Chinese Basketball Association teams, including Liaoning, Guangdong, and Shanxi.
Final Word
With the trade deadline creeping closer and the standings starting to take shape, we’re entering the point in the season when front offices have to make some tough calls. For Utah, the balancing act between competing now and protecting future assets is front and center. And across the league, teams are quietly laying the groundwork for moves that could shake up the playoff picture - or reshape their rebuilds entirely.
Stay tuned. Things are just starting to get interesting.