During the deadline, the Utah Jazz made two intriguing transactions that resulted in two middle-of-the-road draft picks: an early second-round selection and a late first-round selection, effectively securing the Jazz two players of comparable quality. The Jazz sent Simone Fontecchio to the unfortunate Detroit Pistons in exchange for a second-round pick in the first transaction that brought them the pick. Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors acquired Ochai Agbaji and Kelly Olynyk in exchange for a late first-round pick, Porter, and
In the Fontecchio trade, the Pistons sent Kevin Knox to the Jazz for convenience, although the Jazz have already waived Knox. The Jazz received three players back in return for three, so it wasn’t shocking because none of them are considered long-term fixtures. Knox is already gone, so Lewis isn’t expected to play much, but Porter was the one player we felt would play.
Porter can play strong defense, and the Jazz are in dire need of assistance there. It appears that the one guy that could be useful to the Jazz is unlikely to play for the team in the future. Tony Jones of the Athletic reports that Porter has been given permission to leave the Jazz.
The story claims that he is weighing his alternatives, some of which include a buyout. It appears likely that he would like to pursue a ring, something that is obviously not occurring this season in Salt Lake City, given his age of thirty and the fact that he is in the final year of his contract. He will have until March 1, 2024, to join with a new team, assuming he accepts a buyout.
Although they received a first-round pick back in exchange for the trade, it really stings that they didn’t receive even one reasonably good player.
