The Utah JazzWe have reached an agreement to trade veteran injured forward Joe InglesIn a deal with three teams, the Western Conference contender will be able to land a promising third-year guard Nickeil Alexander-WalkerAccording to sources, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN was informed.
Alexander-Walker will join the Jazz from the Portland Trail BlazersMake a reserve for the future Juancho HernangomezFrom the San Antonio SpursSources confirmed that the deal was made. Portland will also send guard Tomas Satoransky, one the four players who were acquired from New Orleans PelicansTuesday CJ McCollumTrade to San Antonio and Acquire Second-year Forward Elijah HughesUtah. The Jazz will send both the Blazers, and the Spurs a second-round selection.
Alexander-Walker (23), the 17th overall draft pick, has been averaging 12.8 and 2.8 assists per games this season. He is expected to become a rotation player for Jazz. Alexander-Walker could be able to fill in some of Ingles’s playmaking and scoring gaps. Alexander-Walker, who is still on his rookie contract, believes Utah’s developmental program will help him.
According to Bobby Marks of ESPN, the Jazz will be able to save $11 Million in luxury tax.
The Blazers see Hughes as a potential developmental prospect. They traded for Ingles in order to maintain financial flexibility. Ingles will be making $14 million this season.
Ingles is a great example of Utah’s developmental success. He joined the Jazz as a final cut from the 2014 LA Clippers training camp. Ingles has been an integral role player and fan favourite during his eight-year tenure.
Ingles’ career averages are 8.6 points and 3.0 assists. He shoots 40.8% from 3-point range. Ingles had his best season last year, when he finished second behind teammate. Jordan ClarksonSixth Man of Year: Averaged 12.1 points and 4.7 assists, while shooting 45.1% 3s for the Jazz team that finished with the NBA’s best record.
Ingles knew his name was often mentioned in trade discussions prior to suffering the season-ending injury Jan. 30, and he anticipated being traded as an expiring contract.
Ingles stated that if he or she can get someone back to help them push for the end, that is what he/she would do. I’m not going sit there and be bitter and upset. I have eight years experience in this community through hard work and volunteerism. However, I am very aware of the business aspect and all that goes with it.
Ingles insists that he has “literally not doubt” that he will make an impressive comeback after his knee surgery. He said that he would love to return to Utah, but that he will be able to exercise unrestricted agency and keep an open mind.