NBA Rumors: Utah Jazz Discussing Surprising Name in Trade Talks

Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles recently suffered a season-ending knee injury so you'd think trade rumors wouldn't be top of mind. Ingles however is a pending free agent and his contract could be used to facilitate a deal as he's on the books for $14-million this season. 

Management is looking to upgrade the roster for a playoff push and the veteran forward admitted he wouldn't resent the team for moving him:

If I'm able to get someone back that would help them make a push for the end of the year, I understand that. I'm not going to sit here and be sour and upset. I've built my eight years here of hard work and in the community and all that stuff, but I'm very well aware of the business side and all that. Having an ACL obviously throws a bit of a spanner (wrench) in the works with some of it, but I have good relationships with the Jazz and the front office and coach (Quin Snyder). I've got the best agent (Mark Bartelstein) in the league. It's a very fluid conversation, and we just have open lines of conversation

Not many teammates are willing to move teams just so the team can improve. Ingles is a pro's pro who finished second last season to teammate Jordan Clarkson in the Sixth Man of the Year voting. He's only ever known.

Ingles appeared in 45 games this season before his season was cut short and averaged 7.2 points per game and 2.5 rebounds, while shooting 35% from deep. The Jazz will now try to materialize a move with the veteran's contract as the team is going all-in this season for an NBA championship.

Photo credit:  Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports