This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
With the draft fast approaching, Utah is exploring every option, despite being quiet on the trade front.
The Jazz have the pieces to move into the first round, if needed. They also have a logjam in the frontcourt that sorely needs to be addressed.
And they also have history, having once moved up to take Deron Williams.
What does it all mean? Could be nothing. Or it could mean a blockbuster deal when least expected.
"Just because we're quiet doesn't mean we're not working," Jazz General Manager Kevin O'Connor said. "We've been talking to people, and if something comes to fruition, it usually comes on draft day. If that were to happen, it's got to improve our team."
Utah has attractive talent, mainly Paul Millsap, who is one of the better power forwards in the league, and who has a relatively cheap contract.
The Jazz also have a need to find starting minutes for Derrick Favors, who came on strong at the end of his second season.
O'Connor, when asked, stressed that nobody on the roster is "untouchable", if the right offer were to come along.
"When you look at Shaquille O'Neal, and Wilt Chamberlain, those guys were traded," O'Connor said. "If those guys can get traded, nobody is untouchable. We have talent at every position. But we're also trying to improve our team."
Tony Jones