I have heard talk of this all over the place, on chat boards, on ESPN.com, in the Salt Lake Trib. In some ways it makes a lot of sense, he is the highest paid player on the Jazz and is seemingly not fitting in with all of the pieces the Jazz have in place averaging only 7 points and 5 rebounds a game. Despite this, he still holds a ton of trade value and could bring in a nice player in return. Not to mention that Harpring and Brewer are more than able to fill in for his loss, to go along with the pieces they would get in return.

It is an interesting dilemma. There is no question that Kevin O. is taking calls and at least exploring the possibility. But is it the right move? Should the Jazz actually trade AK-47. I say absolutely not, at least not right now. There would have to be an incredible deal on the table for the Jazz to make a move.

The real problem with moving Kirilenko is all of the intangibles that he brings. He scored only four points last night against LA, but his defense of Kobe Bryant in the forth quarter was the difference in the game by my estimation. Because of his defensive contributions, Kobe went 0-3 from the field and was a non-factor down the stretch. AK does not need to score to make a big impact on the game.

Kirilenko has also become a big part of the identity of the Jazz. Fans in Salt Lake have grown attached to him, and he sells a ton of tickets. The Jazz have an affinity for players they draft, and it would be nice to see him play in a Jazz uniform throughout his career. Even if it makes the team better, it is hard to part with someone like that.

Also, the Jazz are the best team in the league right now for a reason. Everyone has a role and they are fulfilling that role. Chemistry is at a high and that is something that I would not risk disrupting with a trade. The only way I move AK is if he starts to sour, which is a real possibility considering some of the statements he has made in the past about shooting opportunities. But until that is an issue, you have to go with the philosophy that if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.

With that being said, lets take a look at some deals that have been discussed and some that might make sense. First things first though, the Jazz are the best team in the league, but do have some weaknesses - they have two positions that need an upgrade, Center and Shooting Guard. Any trade that the Jazz make must address one, if not both of those positions.

Trade Scenarios:
Kevin Garnett
The Salt Lake Tribune put a trade of Kirilenko and Memot for Kevin Garnett on the table. This is an interesting trade. The Jazz would turn into an even bigger match-up nightmare than they already are. They could start Boozer at center and play Garnett at the 4.

Garnett is an incredibly talented player. He is over seven feet tall but is skilled enough to play point guard, shoots the ball well, is a great defender and has the talent to grab 15 rebounds per game. He is unselfish and often defers to his teammates, choosing to make them better instead of hogging all of the stats. Because he prefers to play away from the basket, he and Boozer would be an incredible tandem. Deron Williams would probably average 12-14 assist per game.

The Jazz would also garner a lot more interest. With a super-star like Garnett, everyone on the Jazz would get more attention, the Jazz would sell-out every game and jersey sales would go through the roof. There are serious financial benefits that would have to be considered.

But would the Jazz be better off? This trade would kill their front-court depth. Currently Boozer and Memot are capable of playing center and Kirilenko is absolutely overwhelming when he plays the power forward position, if necessity dictate that he slide to that position. This trade would kill that depth. With Boozer being injury prone, it is a risk I would not be willing to take. As it stands, the Jazz are built to weather an injury to either Boozer, Memot or Kirilenko, especially with the addition of Millsap.

On top of that, Garnett is a proven loser. He has only won two playoff series’ and they both came in the same year. It also looks like Minnesota is headed to the lottery for the third year in a row. Would Karl Malone ever have missed the playoffs? Can you even imagine that? Even in the year when Stockton missed the first 20 or so game, the Mailman still had the Jazz four or five games over .500. I have a hard time believing that those teams were more “talented” than Garnett’s current team. For all of his talent, people have got to consider whether or not Garnett is not just a bust when it comes to winning.

I would not make this trade. With the Jazz’s luck, every worst case scenario would blow up in their face.

Ray Allen
Ray Allen and Robert Swift for Kirilenko and Gordon Giricek. This is a trade that I would seriously consider if I were Kevin O, but only if Swift were included in the deal as that would sure up both of the positions that the Jazz need help in, SG and C.

Ray Allen is the best shooter in the league. Can you imagine how much this would open up the court for the Boozer down low and for Williams to drive to the hoop? It would be unbelievable. With Millsap, the Jazz maintain some of the intangibles that Kirilenko brings and would be able to keep their frontcourt depth.

And even though Swift is out for the year, he is seven feet tall and has shown a great knack for blocking shots. The Jazz would be completely solid top to bottom next year and would have absolutely no weaknesses. They would have to be considered the favorites to win it all.

Seattle would have to consider this trade, but I am not sure they would jump on it. Either way, if I am the Jazz, I would wait until the end of the year to make this deal and see what we can do with this team.

Both of these trades are enticing, but I just like continuity. Chemistry is way underrated in this league and the Jazz just have it right now. In the end, if it isn’t broken don’t fix it. Lets give this team as it is currently comprised a chance. They just might be good enough.