Trade rumors: Ranking the Rockets top-9 trade partners

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Rudy Gobert #27, Mike Conley #10 and Jordan Clarkson #00 of the Utah Jazz (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

Houston Rockets trade partner rankings: 8. Utah Jazz

Next up are one of Houston’s signature rivals, the Utah Jazz. Much to the dismay of former Rockets guard and fan favorite Vernon Maxwell, the Jazz have the best record in the league this season.

However, the Jazz do not really have the type of assets the Rockets are looking for. As good as the Jazz appear this season, their draft capital is decent but is nothing to write home about.

Where they really fall short is their lack of young players to offer. Donovan Mitchell is not going anywhere, and the other offers they could reasonably make are for established older players like Joe Ingles or Derrick Favors.

Related Story. 4 trades to send P.J. Tucker to the Jazz

The Jazz, unlike the rest of the league, do not need to make many trades right now, as they are a versatile and complete team as is. In addition to the best record in the league, they are second in offensive rating and tied for third in defensive rating.

They have decent picks they could offer Houston, which is what puts them ahead of the Nets. But overall, the Jazz do not really have what the Rockets are looking for, which is young talent and, crucially, the motivation to push a deal through.

Next: #7