The tanking philosophy is a dangerous approach. A franchise that doesn’t believe in itself or its players to the point that they enter the season planning to lose isn’t building an ideal culture. Nevertheless, the Utah Jazz’s chance to land the No. 1 pick superseded not only winning games, but seeing whether their team was actually capable of being competitive.

Utah gave their rookie and sophomore classes extended minutes. 23-year-old Walker Kessler, 24-year-old Johnny Juzang, 26-year-old Collin Sexton and 27-year-old Lauri Markkanen received large slices of the team minutes (Juzang and Sexton recently celebrated birthdays). However, Markkanen would be held out of games and Sexton would have his minutes slashed, seemingly in order for Utah to have a better chance at losing

This is what the Jazz’s primary focus was all season.

Assuming the Jazz keep the pick, Duke freshman forward Cooper Flagg is the heavy favorite to land in Salt Lake City. The most well-rounded player in college basketball, he’ll be the team’s Swiss Army Knife. His defense and ability to play off of others will allow him to stay on the floor early on. As he begins to get more comfortable offensively, he’ll be tasked with a heavier load at that end.

If the Jazz don’t win the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft Lottery, their board will completely open up. However, they would still likely target a forward due to their investment in guards Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier. Rutgers freshman Ace Bailey, Duke freshman Kon Knueppel, South Carolina sophomore Collin Murray-Boyles, and St. Joseph’s junior Rasheer Fleming are among the prospects that the Jazz could hone in on.

There are multiple reasons why Utah won’t be high on many player’s lists in free agency.

With $13.9 million in cap space, the $14.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception, and $5.1 million bi-annual exception, they can still be players though. With so many shot-creators on the roster, their focus should be on 3-and-D wings. Notably, the Jazz ranked sixth in 3-point attempts (39.8 per game) but 22nd in 3-point percentage (35.0 percent) in 2024-25. They also ranked 30th in opponent’s points per game (121.2), opponent’s 3-point conversions per game (14.9), opponent’s turnover percentage (10.3) and steals per game (6.8).

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker should be their primary free agent target. Notably, the 26-year-old played for the Jazz in parts of 2021-22 and 2022-23. However, he became part of the Mike Conley trade, which was made primarily to secure a first-round pick. A career 36.0 percent 3-point shooter that’s a top-notch defender with playmaking upside, Alexander-Walker would be a significant addition to their current perimeter group.

The Jazz could also stand to sign a backup point guard and center.

Ideally, the point guard they sign would complement George and Collier, who’ll likely get the lion’s share of ball-handling opportunities. This means that they’ll be seasoned and precise 3-point shooters. (Los Angeles Clippers), Monte Morris (Phoenix Suns), Tyus Jones (Phoenix Suns), and Cam Payne (New York Knicks) are among their more realistic options. So far as centers are concerned, one that’s a bit more fluid than Kessler would be ideal. (Toronto Raptors), Paul Reed (Detroit Pistons), Guerschon Yabusele (Philadelphia 76ers) and Sandro Mamukelashvili (San Antonio Spurs) all come to mind.

Philadelphia 76ers wing Quentin Grimes could be an option in a sign-and-trade. He’s likely to demand at least $20 million per year in free agency and perhaps even higher. If so, the Jazz should be willing to part ways with Sexton or John Collins.

In 2024-25, the 6-foot-5 marksman averaged 14.6 points, 3.0 assists and 1.o steal per game while shooting 38.5 percent from 3. In his time with Philadelphia specifically, he averaged 21.9 points, 4.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 37.3 percent from 3.

He was so good, he should’ve campaigned for the Sixth Man of the Year award.

As Sexton and Collins are the Jazz’s most expendable veterans, they could also be traded in a package deal. Their combined $45.8 million salary could put them in conversations for Sixers star Paul George, who they targeted last summer. George is coming off of an injury-plagued season that could cause Utah to hesitate. Alternately, it could allow them to acquire the swingman for a bargain.

The Jazz will be hoping the nine-time All-Star rounds back into form, giving them a chance at making noise in the playoffs. He, Markkanen, and Flagg are an intriguing trio that would be complemented by young talents like George, Collier, and Kessler. Philadelphia might prefer the 2-for-1 swap that gets them two starting-caliber players entering their prime though. Sexton and Collins could help buoy a group that includes Grimes, Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Jared McCain.