The Utah Jazz continue to win the Rudy Gobert trade. Not only were they able to complete the Jar Jackson Jr. trade due to their surplus of draft picks, but without the Gobert trade they would not have landed Walter Clayton Je. And He was part of getting the Jackson trade done.
In the long run, the Jazz trade between Gobert and the Minnesota Timberwolves allowed them to make the Jackson trade at this year’s deadline. And even though Utah hasn’t played many games with Jackson in the lineup, it’s clear they have the talent to win. They just don’t want that now.
But the future looks bright.
The Rudy Gobert trade made the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade. possible
When the Jazz traded Gobert, it was the start of a new era in Utah. They hit the reset button, and releasing Gobert and Donovan Mitchell was the first step in that.
They sent Gobert to the Wolves, and in return they got a tons in draft capital (plus a few decent players who ultimately never spent much time in a Jazz uniform).
First and foremost, they were able to acquire Clayton during the 2025 NBA Draft because of the Gobert trade. Utah had pick No. 21 in the draft, which they received in the Gobert trade, but they packaged him to move up and select Clayton at No. 18.
Then, just a few months into his rookie season, Clayton was traded again. But this time, he was included in the deal that ultimately sent Jackson to the Jazz.
But that’s not where the spider web ends.
Utah also got Malik Beasley back in the Gobert trade. They sent him to the Los Angeles Lakers and got a 2027 first-round pick in return. Then they sent that first to the Memphis Grizzlies in the Jackson trade.
Memphis also received the more favorable of the Jazz, Timberwolves and Cleveland Cavaliers’ first-round picks in 2027, which Utah was able to make happen because they own the first of the Wolves (from the Gobert trade).
And when Jackson was on the floor for the Jazz this year, they were good. So good, in fact, that Utah had to lock him, Lauri Markkanen and others away to effectively tank.
It looks like the trio of Jackson, Markkanen and Keyonte George can put the Jazz back in the playoffs next year. They just keep building and improving.
And along the way, thanks to the Jackson trade, the Gobert deal is looking better and better for Utah.
They were able to do a large trade without emptying their war chest.
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