The Utah Jazz have some TERRIFIC news ahead of them!
The Utah Jazz have some TERRIFIC news ahead of them!
Man, oh, man the time has come for Utah to return to their former selves. Truly, as this has been a rough stretch for this franchise. Hasn’t? The team has gone 2-6 without Donovan Mitchell, plus, to make matters worse, for the past five they didn’t have Gobert either.
Roughness all the way around, but the good news? Donovan Mitchell is expected back after clearing concussion protocol, the better news? Tomorrow, Friday, that is the scheduled return for the superstar guard. That will be a home game against the Brooklyn Nets.
But what’s better than just having one great player back?
Two. That’s the correct answer as Rudy Gobert is expected to make his return, since hurting his calf, come this Monday. Talk about terrific news.
To put into perspective how significant this is, Utah is 25-11 with both of starters are playing. However, when not playing, Utah is 3-11 in the past 14 games. Ugly, ugly breakdowns and slumps that should be snapped once these two players return.
According to Marc Stein, despite the rumors of a potential buyout, Kevin Love is set to participate in training camp. Camp is slated to begin next week.
A potential buyout isn’t expected to happen until a legitimate playoff contender shows interest in the veteran forward.
Since the 37-year-old is below the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception, any team can sign him following his future buyout. He makes $4.15 million exactly for the upcoming season.
Last season, fans saw Love only appear in 23 games for the Miami Heat. Following the 2021-22 season, his production and game appearances dramatically dipped off.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, confirmed by the Utah Jazz, head coach Will Hardy will remain with the organization for the foreseeable future after signing a new contract.
Hardy’s extension will last for six years, which is a positive sign for the direction of the team. In his first three years as the Jazz’s coach, he has made a positive impact on the team, including putting them in a position to fight for the postseason in his first two seasons.
However, Utah has decided to go down the rebuilding route, and force the team to tank for better draft positioning. With Utah doing that, there is no blame put on Hardy for their lackluster seasons.
“I’m humbled and honored,” Hardy said. “This is an incredible franchise. To be able to be committed to the next phase of our process is hard to explain. Moments like this are very surreal. I’m so excited.”
The NBA is five days from the trade deadline, and fans saw the first official trade of the countdown period Saturday morning.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Los Angeles Clippers have traded PJ Tucker, Mo Bamba, a future second-round pick, and cash to the Utah Jazz.
The Jazz will give L.A. Drew Eubanks and Patty Mills. Tucker hasn’t played a single minute this season due to both sides’ agreement to look for a new team.
By accepting this deal, Los Angeles brings themselves below the luxury tax. To be exact, about $4 million below the tax. Even better, it allows them to enter the buyout market for another trade.