According to Tony Jones of the Salt Lake Tribune, the Utah Jazz have contacted the Houston Rockets in hopes of trading for Patrick Beverley. Multiple reports have indicated that the Rockets are currently shopping their defensive-minded point guard.
The Jazz shored up their hole at the point guard position last year by trading for George Hill. However, several injuries and his status as an unrestricted free agent hoping to get paid leave the Jazz looking for insurance. According to Jones, trading for Beverley (or another veteran point guard) would not mean that the Jazz want to let Hill walk.
Beverley is due to be paid 5.5 million dollars next season. His contract is non-guaranteed for the 2018-19 season.
For the Rockets, this shows a willingness to move on from Beverley who has been the heart and soul of the team through his gritty defense and attitude. Houston seemingly wants cap space to pursue stars to replace the point guard with names like Chris Paul and Kyle Lowry most recently reported.
Beverley is a fan favorite in Houston and would be the same in Utah. The Jazz have created an identity as a defense-first monster but Beverley could also provide much-needed shooting and some playmaking aside Gordon Hayward if he re-signs.
