3 potential landing spots for Terrence Ross at the trade deadline

Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz are easily the best team of the three most likely destinations for Terrence Ross that make sense for both sides.

The other teams could miss the playoffs, though now much less likely with Dallas currently. The Jazz are a lock to make the Playoffs and going deep is a possibility, especially after having the best record in the league last season.

But they came up short in the playoffs last year and there is certainly pressure to make the Playoffs and go on a deep run. Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell have never gotten past the second round so far.

Another early exit and it is not inconceivable to see one or both halves of the duo asking for a trade. Those rumblings appear already underway.

Terrence Ross is likely an upgrade from wings like Joe Ingles and Eric Paschall. He could even be better than Royce O’Neale playing in Utah’s system. Plus, he is five years younger than Rudy Gay.

That extra year with Ross will also be valuable as the Jazz try to build multiple contending seasons.

The Jazz also play at a similar pace to what Ross is used to in Orlando so far this season. Playing at the 19th-fastest pace compared to Orlando’s 14th ranking in that regard.

One of those wings in return should make a deal work. Keep in mind that Rudy Gay for example is on a one year prove-it deal. He can mentor the younger guys while showcasing his skills to audition for prospective teams. Or the Magic could grant him a buyout and let him sign with another contending team.

Meanwhile, O’Neale and Paschall need more touches. Given Orlando’s dearth of wing depth, that should not be too difficult to find. It does not hurt the fact that Paschall is five years younger than Ross, while O’Neale is two years younger, respectively.

The Jazz also seem willing to trade Ingles, who has struggled some this year. But they likely want to try to retain Ingles because he is such an important cog to their locker room. Even as an expiring contract, Ingles feels like he is on his last legs.

Orlando may want one of the younger players than. Both O’Neale and Paschal are shooting better from the field and beyond the arc.

O’Neale also has been an exceptional defender throughout his career. This year is no anomaly. And Paschall is around the same caliber as a defender as Ross this season.

These younger players also coincide more with the Magic’s timeline more than with Ross. It is about developing the young players in the rebuilding mode to see what they have with each guy to see who fits in their long-term future.