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Three months ago Jazz fans were looking at a setting sun. Gordon Hayward left the Utah Jazz in the worst possible way. Seven years of watching Gordon Hayward slowly, but surely, become an all-star and take the Jazz to the playoffs should have started seven years of plenty.
But he left and everything fell apart.
And then the Jazz drafted Donovan Mitchell. He was electric in summer league and then pre-season. During the regular season he’s gotten better and better to the point of leading the Utah Jazz in scoring, along with all rookies.
The Jazz recently released a video announcing their new community Jersey celebrating Utah. I can’t help but think it also represents a new sun rising on a new era of Jazz basketball. After it seemed night was coming, Donovan Mitchell has cast out the darkness.
Be excited, Jazz fans, this is for real.
A tribute to our fans, our community, and our state.
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 19, 2017
Nike City Edition coming 12/27/17.#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/cCZWdX97IN
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Gordon Monson of the Salt Lake Tribune recently posed the question of whether you’d trade Donovan Mitchell for Gordon Hayward strait up.
Donovan Mitchell, not Gordon Hayward, is the big story of 2017: https://t.co/MvYyBvvuwx
— Gordon Monson (@GordonMonson) December 19, 2017
The answer is no and that’s incredible.
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Speaking of Gordon Hayward... After the game against Boston, Hayward made comments about whether he regretted his decision to leave Utah.
Gordon Hayward: "I don't regret anything. Unfortunately, got injured, but I'm happy to be here in Boston and happy to be part of the team."
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) December 16, 2017
He also talked about last July and the sacrifices he made to buy his own flights to “make his decision.”
Hayward cont.: "Obviously, I've talked about it before, I'm disappointed with the leak and everything, but the decision hadn't been made at all until the decision was made, and that's that. That's how I feel about that."
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) December 16, 2017
Hayward’s incredible selflessness to buy his own flights is almost as admirable as his dedication to his story.
This is probably a good time to remember that Hayward sold his houses in May. That’s probably just a coincidence, right?
So take this FWIW: As of May 22 of this year, Hayward no longer owned either of his houses. Both were sold to separate parties. Neither were listed for sale publicly.
— Kris Ingles (@5kl) November 16, 2017
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Magic Johnson recently sat down with Isiah Thomas to heal rifts they’d had for years. Say what you will, but seeing a heartfelt moment like this is rare, and nice to see.
“Let me apologize to you. If I hurt you. That we haven’t been together.”#PlayersOnlyMonthly pic.twitter.com/nDpfDfZek8
— NBA TV (@NBATV) December 20, 2017
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The trade deadline is coming and expect moves from the Jazz.
Here are some things to look for according to Bobby Marks from ESPN.
What to watch
Evaluating the 2018 free agents: Rodney Hood, Derrick Favors, Joe Johnson, Raul Neto and Dante Exum (injured)
Drawing a line in the sand on the cost of Hood with the emergence of Donovan Mitchell
The impact of a healthy Favors (still only 26)
Restrictions/notes
Joe Ingles cannot be traded until Jan. 15.
What do you think? What type of trades will/should the Utah Jazz make?