the Jazz are trying to copy the Thunder...
It is interesting that the last 5 champions, all got their best player in the draft, except OKC. They got their best player via a trade, but he was the 11th pick. BOS got Tatum and Brown at #3 picks. Jokic was the 41st pick. GSW got Curry at #7. And MIL got Giannis at #15.
I guess my point is that copying OKC may not be as easy as it seems. I am sure that UTA sees it as Ainge drafted the key players for a championship in BOS so he can do it again in UTA. And maybe he can. But a lot of teams fail at this approach.
OKC got SGA in as trade after his rookie season, as well as a bunch of picks, for Paul George. Utah would like a bunch of picks and a young player two for Markkanen, which is partly what I meant. But mostly what I meant is that Utah wants to find the young franchise player first and then add guys around him. They have not found that player yet (maybe it is Bailey but they would like another shot this next draft). Kessler is not that player either, but will already be off his rookie deal by the time they do find their franchise guy, and accordingly he is tradeable.
Don't disagree with any of this, I was just pointing out that trying to build through the draft can work for you in mysterious ways. Just ask PHI. I think you are right regarding how UTA is looking at this and I believe UTA thinks Ainge is the guy to do the drafting.
Kessler would be a nice piece for BOS. We get him on the cheap for 2025-26 but then have to pay him for 2026-27 and beyond, when there will be some "apron space" to pay him with. I had proposed:
Niang, 2026 first, Future first (or maybe a future swap option)
for
Kessler
I think I could talk myself into that trade. Niang helps with UTA tanking and they get a pick or two. The 2026 pick has pretty good value for UTA. UTA may feel they could get more, I don't know.
