Jazz Offseason Guide: Retooling Around Donovan with defense and shooting

The Utah Jazz’s last three seasons have ended in disappointment. Blowing a 3-1 lead to the nuggets, Terence Mann dropping 41 in game 7 with no Kawhi Leonard, and not being able to beat a Luka-less Mavs team. The Jazz have had success in the regular season but have fallen short in embarrassing fashion come playoff time. So, what is the problem?

Utah lacks Versatility. Their back up to Rudy is Whiteside-who plays almost verbatim to Gobert. Mitchel and Conley are both smaller guards who are not super efficient and can get targeted on defense. The guard off the bench? Jordan Clarkson, a small, shot-chucking guard who is not a ‘plus’ defender. When it comes to forwards Royce O’Neale is a small 4 and Bogdanovic is not a physical player or quality defender. Off the bench you have a slew of undersized forwards who are inefficient from 3.

Look at the NBA finals. Two top 5 defenses in the league who scheme around versatility. The Celtics play a Jumbo lineup that allows for multiple rim protectors and defenders who can guard almost every position. The Warriors play smaller but also switch almost everything, have no guards under 6’3 and have forwards who play big. Draymond defends centers just as good, if not better, than a 7’ footer and Wiggins provides size and length at 6’8.

IDonovan Mitchell is 25 and has transformed the franchise so the Jazz should favor keeping him over Gobert, even if Gobert has a lower trade value. This rebuild will revolve around defensive versatility and 3pt shooting on offense to compliment Donny. A four-team trade will be used as a possibility but multiple players will be mentioned in the ‘archetypes’ of players Utah needs to target.

Jazz Trade: Rudy Gobert, Bogdanovic, Mike Conley, Rudy Gay, and their 2026

Jazz Receive: Malcom Brogdon, Myles Turner, John Collins, KCP, Deni Avdija, and #16 in the draft

Hawks Trade: John Collins, Clint Capela, #16

Hawks Receive: Rudy Gobert, Rudy Gay

Wizards Trade: KCP, Deni Avdija, and #10 in the draft

Wizards Receive: Mike Conley

Pacers Trade: Malcom Brogdon and Myles Turner

Pacers Receive: Bogdanovic, Clint Capela, #10, and Jazz 2026 1st

Why does each team do it?

Hawks: Get rid of 2 bad contracts for 1. Become a good defense team with Rudy

Wizards: Are desperate for a PG to compete with Beal

Pacers: Get picks for Brogdon and Turner and let their young player develop while still being competitive

The Jazz come out of this trade with a great lineup for next year while also more youth that can develop with Mitchell and provide cheap contracts. We are looking for PLAYOFF BASKETBALL guys. IQ, experience, defense, versatility, and shooting.

Lineup:

-Brogdon/Clarkson

-Mitchell/ KCP

-Royce/Avdija

-Collins/ #16

-Turner/Collins

Brogdon role: A big guard who can defend multiple positions. Especially in pick n roll settings. These are crucial for the playoffs because it is all about matchups. Finding one you like and running plays and screens to attack that match up over and over and over again. Brogen is a smart passer and quality shooter. Qualities that are important in close, intense games.

-other players in this mold: Derrick White, Delon Wright, Terrance Mann

Collins role: A 4 who spaces the floor, can get a Bucket, weak side rim protector can play small ball 5. He is versatile. Can get the occasional basket. Plays solid defense.

-other players in this mold: De’Andre Hunter, Patrick Williams, Jaden and Jalen Mcdaniels

Turner Role: A center who alters shots, can battle with the bigs but also guard smaller players. He is a guy who wants a role and did not like playing with another traditional big. He is not a liability on offense like Rudy Gobert. Won’t get exposed on corner threes like Gobert. Will not get played off the floor.

-other players in this mold: Mo Bamba, Jalen Smith, Chris Boucher

KCP Role: A 2 Guard who plays defense first, shoots the 3 second. Disrupts passing lanes. Knock down shooter on offense. A reliable guy on both sides of the floor. Not going to burn a hole in your pocket.

-other players in this mold: Alec Burks, Kevin Huerter, Jeremey Lamb, Devin Vassell, John Konchar

Avdija Role: a younger player who guards almost any player. Gives energy boosts. Hits an open 3. Does not need the ball in his hand. Loves to play basketball.

-other players in this mold: Kenrich Williams, Bruce Brown, Justise Winslow

Pick 16 role: An experienced, physical, versatile forward who can shoot- Tari Eason, Jalen Williams, EJ Liddell. Tari Eason is 6’8, has a 7’2 wingspan, shot 36% from 3 and 80% from the line. Jalen Williams (more of a wing than a forward but his wingspan makes him super versatile) is 6’6, 7’2 wingspan, shot 40% from 3 and 80% from 3. EJ Liddell is 6’7, has a 7’ wingspan, shot 37.5% from 3 and 76.5% from the line.

-all these players are multiple year players who know the game, defend multiple positions at a high level, spaced the floor on high volume this year. They can fill in on the wings or Eason and Liddell can play small ball 5.

This roster can compete and adjust in the playoffs. Can compete when the Nuggets, Clippers, Mavs, and Warriors make adjustments. Allow for space for Donovan Mitchell to get a bucket in crunch time. Defense to blanket his lack of. Can switch and defend pick n rolls. Finally, adds youth so the Jazz can stay competitive and get better each year.