NBA Scout Has Surprising Assessment Of Utah Jazz Trade Options

One of the most predominant teams discussed as we head towards this year's trade deadline in a week-and-a-half has been, not surprisingly, the Utah Jazz. After a summer of wheeling and dealing away his two All-Stars, Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, what is CEO Danny Ainge's next move? 

According to word obtained by NBA Insider Ric Bucher... maybe nothing.

'Trader Dan,' as he became known during his tenure with the Boston Celtics, is also renowned for talking about deals far more often than actually consummating one. Several executives who know him well said this year could be no different.

With so many tradable pieces still on the Jazz roster, it would be surprising if no one gets dealt, but buyers will have to come with the goods. Ainge drives a hard bargain, as one scout told Bucher. 

"He never changes," the scout said. "He’ll make a deal if he likes the value. If there are no offers he likes, he’ll go play golf. He’s not afraid to work a sign-and-trade in the summer or bring a guy back."

Among the most talked-about, and available, pieces on the Utah roster, are veteran center Kelly Olynyk and guards Malik Beasley and Mike Conley Jr.  

Jordan Clarkson is an impending free agent, but the two sides have notably said they're interested in re-upping, though that could take until the offseason when the Jazz can offer the former Sixth Man of the Year a larger deal. But if Ainge feels he won't be able to re-sign him, he'll be on the block as well. 

The Jazz are still a team to watch, but teams trying to make a deal with "Trader Dan" will be wary of the price tags he attaches to his assets.

Photo: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports