Why did Jazz trade Cody Williams, John Konchar for Josh Green?

The deal marks Utah’s second trade of the summer after the Jazz sent Walker Kessler to the Los Angeles Lakers in July.

Related: Jazz acquire Josh Green in exchange for Cody Williams, John Konchar

According to reports, the Utah Jazz are trading Cody Williams and John Konchar to the Minnesota Timberwolves. 😮https://t.co/kQGIHPPBb1

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) August 29, 2026

Jazz trade Cody Williams, John Konchar

Williams, 21, arrived in Utah as the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft but never established a clear on-court identity during his first two NBA seasons, appearing in just 117 games with the Jazz.

The former Colorado standout entered the league as a long-term developmental prospect, needing to add significant strength to his 6-foot-8 frame while proving his efficient college shooting numbers would translate to the NBA.

That consistency never developed, as Williams shot just 42 percent from the field during his time with the Jazz, including 23 percent from 3-point range.

The lanky wing did improve as a midrange scorer in his second season and showed greater confidence attacking the basket for highlight-reel dunks.

OH MY, CODY!!! 😱🤯 pic.twitter.com/lXaKbb2Soi

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 28, 2026

However, his long-term outlook became increasingly uncertain after the Jazz selected Ace Bailey and Darryn Peterson with top-five picks in consecutive drafts.

Konchar, 30, arrived in Utah as a salary-matching piece in the blockbuster trade that brought Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Jazz. Minnesota will reportedly waive the veteran after appearing in just 26 games for Utah.

The do-it-all guard provided versatility on both ends of the floor, but his 3-point shooting has declined in recent seasons.

Why did the Jazz want Josh Green?

Green, 25, joins the Jazz after six NBA seasons, having struggled to secure a consistent role during stops with the Dallas Mavericks and Charlotte Hornets.

The guard was traded to Minnesota alongside All-Star LaMelo Ball in July but now lands in Utah before ever suiting up for the Timberwolves.

On the court, Green brings a blend of shooting and defensive ability that neither Williams nor Konchar consistently provided during their time with the Jazz. Still, he will need to earn his place in a crowded backcourt rotation.

Josh Green knocks down the clutch triple 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/PaVFDEA3aO

— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 12, 2024

Green joins a backcourt that includes young cornerstones Keyonte George, Darryn Peterson and Ace Bailey, and will also have to compete with Brice Sensabaugh, Isaiah Collier, Svi Mykhailiuk and Josh Okogie for minutes under coach Will Hardy.

Even if Green does not carve out a full-time role, he provides ancillary value to the organization.

His expiring $14.6 million contract carries greater trade value than the combined $12.1 million owed to Williams and Konchar. Green’s larger deal allows the Jazz to absorb more salary in potential trades before the February deadline.

By moving two players for one, the Jazz also created an open spot on the 15-man roster. The additional flexibility could prove useful as the organization finalizes its roster ahead of training camp in September.

The Jazz open the preseason Sunday, Oct. 4, against the Denver Nuggets at 5 p.m. MST.

Parts of this article were generated with the assistance of large language models and reviewed by our editorial team.