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Report: Jazz Eye Equivalent of 1st-Rounder in Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt Trades

Rob Goldberg

The Utah Jazz are reportedly seeking the "equivalent of a first-round pick" to acquire either Malik Beasley or Jarred Vanderbilt in trades, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

The Atlanta Hawks and Phoenix Suns have reportedly showed interest in trades for both players, per Scotto, while New York Knicks executive Gersson Rosas has been a fan of the players dating back to his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The New Orleans Pelicans also reportedly showed interest in Beasley, while the Indiana Pacers like Vanderbilt.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Hawks and Jazz previously discussed a deal that would send Vanderbilt and Beasley to Atlanta in exchange for John Collins, but Utah asked for a first-round pick as well and talks stalled.

Vanderbilt has fallen out of the starting lineup for Utah in recent weeks, but he's still played a significant role this year while averaging 8.5 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. The 6'9" forward has also improved his outside shot, going 19-of-55 (34.5 percent) from deep this year after finishing 3-of-21 (14.3 percent) over his first four seasons combined.

The continued offensive development could make the 23-year-old an impact player when paired with his quality defensive ability.

The 2018 second-round pick ranked second on the Timberwolves with 6.0 win shares last year, trailing only All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns.

Beasley provides more of an offensive presence, averaging 13.6 points in 52 appearances this season. He's only two years removed from scoring 19.6 per game in 2020-21, and he's made 38.1 percent of three-pointers in his career.

The 26-year-old could be an immediate contributor in the second half of the year and playoffs in the right location.

With both players under team control through 2023-24, the Jazz still likely won't feel forced to trade either one.

   

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