Top 2 trades the Jazz must make before the 2025 NBA trade deadline

The Utah Jazz find themselves mired at the bottom of the Western Conference with a record of 10-31. As such, the team is facing the harsh reality of another disappointing season unless decisive changes are made. The NBA trade deadline offers a vital opportunity for struggling teams to course-correct. It’s also a chance for the Jazz to reshape their roster and redefine their long-term direction. Utah must focus on moves that deliver both immediate impact and sustainable growth. Two potential trades — for Jonathan Cumminga of the Golden State Warriors and Jake LaRavia of the Memphis Grizzlies — stand out as key steps toward reinvigorating this franchise.

A challenging season for the Jazz in 2024-25

The 2024-25 season has been a tough climb for the Jazz. Of course, Lauri Markkanen continued to excel despite injury concerns. However, the rest of the roster has faltered in providing consistent support. Defensive lapses, limited playmaking and insufficient depth often left Utah on the losing end. Yes, the young core of the team has shown flashes of promise. However, a lack of cohesion and meaningful contributions prevented the Jazz from remaining competitive in the stacked Western Conference.

The Jazz’s current focus lies on player development, acquiring lottery talent and strategically trading veterans for draft capital. Note that only Patty Mills was scheduled for free agency this summer among the team’s standard contracts. That means the Jazz have the flexibility to maneuver either before the Feb. 6 trade deadline, during the June draft, in July’s free agent period, or even at next year’s trade deadline.

So far, the Jazz have used a patient strategy. They want to maximize the value of their traded assets by bidding for the best deals. Of course, Walker Kessler he remains a young and valuable player. Still, his right to an extension this summer raises questions about whether he fits into Utah’s long-term vision. This calculated approach could allow the Jazz to secure significant returns consistent with their rebuilding timeline.

Here we will discuss the two best trades the Utah Jazz must make before the 2025 NBA trade deadline.

Change for Jonathan Cumminga

Jonathan Cuminga is exactly the type of player the Jazz should be targeting. He is young, athletic and full of untapped potential. At just 21 years old, the forward has shown brilliance with the Golden State Warriors. However, he has struggled to secure a consistent role on a team loaded with veteran talent. Kuminga’s combination of size, athleticism and defensive versatility make him an ideal candidate to be the cornerstone of Utah’s rebuilding effort.

Adding Kuminga would bring athleticism and defensive upside to the Jazz’s young core. He could work quite well with Markkanen and even with Isaiah Collier. If complementary players like Gary Payton II and Kevon Looney were part of the trade package, they could bring invaluable championship experience as well.

A potential package could send Kessler and possibly John Collins to the Warriors. In exchange, the Jazz could also get at least one first-round pick in addition to Kuminga and another player. This would certainly strengthen Utah’s foundation for a rebuild while maximizing the value of Kessler and Collins. Acquiring Kuminga could also ease the disappointment of Utah missing out on Cooper Flagg in the 2025 draft.

Change for Jake LaRavia

Next, let’s remember that the Jazz can be expected to trade veterans like Colin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson or Collins for future draft capital. Along with that, the front office could also turn to acquiring a young prospect to speed up their rebuilding process.

Memphis Grizzlies forward Jake LaRavia fits this mold. Although his future in Memphis appears uncertain after the team declined his fourth-year player option, LaRavia had a strong season. At this point, he is averaging 7.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. He is also shooting an impressive 49.1 percent from the field and 43.7 percent from beyond the arc. The Grizzlies’ salary cap restrictions may limit their ability to keep him. That makes him a prime trade candidate.

LaRavia’s skill set is a perfect fit for Utah’s needs. The 6’8 forward offers a valuable combination of shooting, basketball IQ and defensive potential. He tackles a number of areas where jazz has struggled. He could thrive in a more defined role in Utah’s system. For the Grizzlies, a deal involving LaRavia could be enticing if they bring back a young prospect or consider future draft picks.

Conclusion

The Utah Jazz have reached a tipping point where decisive action is no longer optional, but necessary. By targeting players like Jonathan Cumminga and Jake LaRavia, the Jazz can address their current shortcomings while investing in a brighter future. These trades represent more than just roster moves – they’re a statement of intent to rebuild with purpose and ambition. If completed, these acquisitions could position Utah as a team on the rise, strengthening their fan base and establishing a blueprint for sustained success for years to come. The trade deadline is approaching, and it’s time for the Jazz to act.