Joe Ingles is a great role player who can act as sort of a “connector piece” for a team. He can do a little bit of everything on the offensive end, as he is a capable passer and shooter.
Despite his skill set, it seems as though the Utah Jazz could end up trading Joe Ingles. Zach Lowe of ESPN has recently revealed that the Jazz forward “is a name to watch up to the trade deadline”. Lowe stated that Ingles isn’t “as airtight on defense anymore” and that “his playmaking doesn’t feel quite as essential” with players like Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley getting heavy minutes.
Ingles is a name to watch up to the trade deadline; in spitballing sessions, a lot of rival executives have wondered what the Jazz might be able to get in exchange for Ingles and a first-round pick. Ingles is on an expiring contract, and has lost maybe an eighth of a step.
He’s not as airtight on defense anymore. He basically only takes 3s; he has attempted 14 free throws all season. He’s a really good passer, but his assists are down and his playmaking doesn’t feel quite as essential as it once did with Mitchell, Conley, and Clarkson all getting tons of minutes. Quin Snyder may want to experiment with Rudy Gay in a larger role.
There are certainly some contenders that could potentially use Joe Ingles in their rotation. He would also have some value as he is on an expiring contract. However, the Utah Jazz will likely be entirely fine if they decide to retain Ingles as well.
The Utah Jazz were viewed by some as the best team in the Western Conference last season, but they didn’t deliver in the playoffs, exiting in the second round. Perhaps they’ll be able to get further in the postseason this year.
