Pelica Debrief
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New Orleans Pelicans: Three teams who could trade for Tyreke Evans

By Nathan Heck

Jan 13, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Tyreke Evans (1) controls the ball against Sacramento Kings forward Quincy Acy (13) at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Tyreke Evans (1) controls the ball against Sacramento Kings forward Quincy Acy (13) at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Utah Jazz president Steve Starks represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Utah Jazz president Steve Starks represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Utah Jazz

Helping a fringe playoff team in the Western Conference improve may not be Dell Demps‘s favorite idea, assuming the embattled general manager is still steering the ship, but if the team is committed to moving on from Tyreke Evans, the Utah Jazz may be the most likely trade partner.

The Utah Jazz have been held back by one thing, in particular, over the last two seasons: the play at the point guard position. The team has developed into a defensive juggernaut thanks to the emergence of Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert, and Gordon Hayward has cemented himself as one of the league’s premier “do-it-all” wing players. The team’s lack of ability to initiate the offense is what has prevented them from taking the next step.

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That’s where Tyreke Evans comes into play. The slashing guard excels at playing in a plodding halfcourt offense (the Utah Jazz played at the slowest pace in the entire Association), and his ability to get to the basket would create easy opportunities for Rudy Gobert, who has yet to develop as an offensive player.

The presence of Evans would allow Gordon Hayward, the engine that drives Utah’s offense, to move back to his natural position from acting as the team’s de facto point guard. Hayward is at his best shooting from behind the arc and attacking the basket off of cuts, and Evans would give him the opportunity to do both.

Of course, the Utah Jazz do have Dante Exum, who should return this season, but it remains to be seen whether or not he will live up to his potential. Tyreke Evans is an established talent that would instantly make the Jazz a favorite to at least make the playoffs.

Next: A trip to the land of sorrow

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