Utah Jazz Receive: F Talen Horton-Tucker, G Kendrick Nunn, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Jalen Brunson
Dallas Mavericks Receive: G Mike Conley
While Jalen Brunson is coming into his own, Mike Conley is on a downward trajectory at 34. They’ve probably reached an intersecting point where they’re roughly equally valuable to an NBA team.
Brunson is stronger getting to the hole, while Conley is a better floor-spacer. They’re both high-IQ players, but Conley’s veteran experience probably gives him the edge. They’re both quick, but Brunson’s youth certainly gives him the advantage in that sense.
The Dallas Mavericks shouldn’t get immediately worse by swapping Brunson for Conley. They’ll also be on a shorter-term deal than the one Brunson reaches with his new team. They’d probably rather keep Brunson, but in this scenario, that’s not an option anyway.
Meanwhile, we’re assuming the endless rumors about the Utah Jazz blowing up their core hold. In that event, this is a quality return for the aging Conley. They’ll have acquired more prominent rebuilding centerpieces in separate transactions involving Donovan Mitchell and/or Mike Conley.
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Finally, the Los Angeles Lakers get a point guard who can shoot 3s. In case you’ve been living under a rock, that’s something they desperately need.
