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SALT LAKE CITY — Whether it is Ross and Rachel, Pam and Jim or Sam and Diane the "will they or won't they" moment can keep TV interesting and right now keeping the Jazz rumors really interesting.
They beat the Heat early in the week then had four days off to watch teams around them tumble. They are now trending up. But, it isn't how they are playing, but what they might do that keeps everyone interested.
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The ever present will they or won't they that seems as interesting as any romantic sitcom remains with other teams' interest in Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap.
So, will they?
Chad Ford of ESPN thinks so. In his recent Insider piece "Trade Watch: Who's on the block?" he lists Jefferson as his third most likely player to be traded. Here is a little piece for those who haven't seen it yet.
"Virtually every GM in the league believes the Jazz are moving one of their two big men -- either Jefferson or Paul Millsap. Because Millsap is a favorite of the team, Jefferson could be the odd man out.
Virtually every GM in the league believes the Jazz are moving one of their two big men -- either Jefferson or Paul Millsap. Because Millsap is a favorite of the team, Jefferson could be the odd man out.
–ESPN's Chad Ford
"The team needs to clear more playing time for Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter and would probably be happy with a nice draft pick or a young point guard prospect in return."
Sam Amico of FoxsportsOhio thinks that there might be offers for Millsap by the deadline. "Brooklyn, Milwaukee and Denver are among the teams that might make a play for Utah forward Paul Millsap at the deadline," Amico wrote. "Millsap's contract expires at season's end. Most teams interested in obtaining Millsap, however, would do so with the intent of offering him an immediate extension"
Or won't they?
Looking at Power Rankings from around the nation has the Jazz right where they are currently standing, in the area of 12 to 14. This is from Kurt Helin NBCSports' rankings. "Winners of three in a row and you just get the impression with their solid front line they are a playoff lock in the West. Even with likely changes to the roster at the trade deadline when Al Jefferson or Paul Millsap gets moved."
ESPN's Rankings have them at 12, but optimistic for their future. "Utahns swamped the committee with Twitter protests Friday when their heroes' modest 44-win pace was pointed out, noting that several home games loom between now and the All-Star break to pick up that pace. Maybe the Jazz can weather Mo Williams' absence better than expected."
This is what makes it the scenario and TV trope so appealing. There are generally two options and both have really good reasons.
They are on pace currently for 44 wins, but after going 7-3 in their previous ten they are looking higher. Their schedule is very favorable. They play three teams with winning records in the next two weeks and play one road game against a team with a winning record until March.
The Jazz have benefited from the teams around them faltering and having depth at the point guard spot to withstand Williams' injury. One month from now is the trade deadline. They might not be able to say no to a big trade if it could build for their future.
However, what happens if the Jazz have a big man get hurt. Expect the best and prepare for the worst might be the idea, but for now the Jazz will have some friends keeping the trading tension alive.
So, will they or won't they?
