Stifle Tower
Punch Bowl Re-Filler
OK, here's the scenario. And I'm not saying Memphis is even remotely interested. There have been no rumors.
Assume the choices are as follows:
Marvin Willaims is traded to Memphis for their pick. They demand and receive top-3 protection (trade unlikely to happen otherwise).
Option A
1. Utah gets Prince (and he's on the books for around $7M next year).
2. Utah gets Memphis pick (provided they don't win a top-3 pick in the lottery).
3a. Right now, that pick would be #14.
3b. If Memphis makes the playoffs - even as the 8th seed - it likely drops to #21 and could be a few spots worse.
3c. If Memphis makes the playoffs, there is a chance they knock GS out. But also a fairly good chance - even more likely, IMO - that it might be Phoenix or Dallas that gets knocked out of the playoffs.
4. Next season, Prince might be the starting SF on the Jazz. In any case, he will be a rotation player and will take up salary space.
Option B
Marvin remains on the roster. After the season, Jazz retain the equivalent cap space of a MAX contract ($30M+ in expirings, less cap holds and new contracts for Favors (done) and Hayward (likely)). Jazz are free to facilitate trades like they did with Golden State or go after a top-quality FA or perhaps two in the $7-9M range, including re-signing Williams.
Assume the choices are as follows:
Marvin Willaims is traded to Memphis for their pick. They demand and receive top-3 protection (trade unlikely to happen otherwise).
Option A
1. Utah gets Prince (and he's on the books for around $7M next year).
2. Utah gets Memphis pick (provided they don't win a top-3 pick in the lottery).
3a. Right now, that pick would be #14.
3b. If Memphis makes the playoffs - even as the 8th seed - it likely drops to #21 and could be a few spots worse.
3c. If Memphis makes the playoffs, there is a chance they knock GS out. But also a fairly good chance - even more likely, IMO - that it might be Phoenix or Dallas that gets knocked out of the playoffs.
4. Next season, Prince might be the starting SF on the Jazz. In any case, he will be a rotation player and will take up salary space.
Option B
Marvin remains on the roster. After the season, Jazz retain the equivalent cap space of a MAX contract ($30M+ in expirings, less cap holds and new contracts for Favors (done) and Hayward (likely)). Jazz are free to facilitate trades like they did with Golden State or go after a top-quality FA or perhaps two in the $7-9M range, including re-signing Williams.