OTG’s Trade Deadline Marathon: Utah Adds More Offense

UTA receives: Davis Bertans PF

WAS receives: Ed Davis, 2021 second-round pick (via Golden State), 2022 first-round pick

Why Utah does it:

While the Jazz have certainly been clicking of late, winning 11 of their last 12 games, they can still make upgrades to their bench in pursuit of an NBA championship this year. Particularly, when a move can help a young player grow and correct an offseason misfire.

Perennial sneakily good off-season signing Ed Davis simply hasn’t worked out in Salt Lake City. While injuries haven’t helped his cause, DNP’s have been an occurrence with Tony Bradley’s growth and Davis’ poor fit in Quin Snyder’s system, particularly in pick-and-roll situations.

With that in mind, the Jazz would love to make an upgrade in their frontcourt and adding a player of Davis Bertans’ ilk would certainly add a new wrinkle.

One of the most sought after trade deadline targets, Bertans is averaging a career-high 15.2 points per game, averaging almost 43 percent from long range, on almost nine three-point attempts per game.

Able to help Bradley in the frontcourt off the bench or even play a major role in closing a game out, Bertans would be a terrific asset for a win-now Utah team.

Players like Donovan Mitchell and Joe Ingles would relish having Bertans as a pick-and-pop weapon, giving Bojan Bogdanović or Royce O’Neale a much-needed breather while Bertans could torch the net.

Having Bertans and newly acquired Jordan Clarkson off the bench would give the Jazz two of the most explosive bench scorers in the NBA, and some mouthwatering depth in their postseason run. Utah may need to include another player in this deal such as Emmanuel Mudiay, but this is a move they should definitely explore.

Why Washington does it:

In return, the Wizards would receive useful picks as they track towards a new era in Washington. Additionally, Davis would provide some much needed backup help for Thomas Bryant, as Ian Mahinmi hits free agency (and is unlikely to be brought back).

Aside from Bryant, Washington only has Mo Wagner and Anzejs Pasecniks for frontcourt depth, so having Davis both this year and next season would be a savvy move.

While Davis hasn’t worked out in Utah, he is still a seasoned pro in backup minutes, and would be a useful veteran influence for the Wizards. A year removed from almost 6.0 points and 8.6 rebounds in 18 minutes per game in Brooklyn, a move to Washington could be ideal for both parties.

Adding locker room leadership, fantastic rebounding and solidity to a roster that lacks big men, Davis may be a great fit.

When it comes to Bertans, it may hurt to lose a player who’s been scorching of late, he does hit unrestricted free agency next year. Getting a useful veteran and some draft assistance might be the best move for a rebuilding Washington team, rather than overpaying to keep Bertans next season.

Make your own trades at Trade NBA and see if you might predict some moves this NBA Trade Deadline.