The good, bad and ugly of the Utah Jazz trade for Josh Green
Aug 29, 2026, 11:13 AM
Cody Williams is taken off the court by Taylor Hendricks at a scrimmage at East High School in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)
(Photo courtesy of Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Late Friday night, news broke of the latest Jazz transaction.
Utah agreed to trade Cody Williams and John Konchar to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Josh Green and cash. The deal became official Saturday morning.
The move makes sense for both teams for several reasons, but it also comes with some significant caveats for the Jazz.
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The Good
Before we get into some of the negatives, the deal is logical on many levels.
The Jazz not only simplify a convoluted bench unit, but also add a player in Green who will provide more consistency than Williams. Green shot 42 percent from three for the Hornets last season and was a net positive defensive player.
Konchar was acquired by Utah at last year’s trade deadline. He provided hustle and an overall solid veteran presence in 26 appearances for Utah last season. However, his role was in question heading into the 2026-27 season.
On the surface, the Jazz dealt a project young player and a fringe rotation piece for a solid rotation guy on a play-in team last season.
Also of note, Green’s mid-level expiring contract may prove valuable as it bridges the gap between Utah’s second- and third-highest paid players. They also open a roster spot and create a bit more roster flexibility.
As a person who still believes in Cody Williams, I like this trade for the Jazz.
Simplifies the second unit. Adds shooting and defense. Opens a roster spot.
What do you think, Jazz fans?
— Chandler Holt (@CHoltSports) August 29, 2026
The Bad
Even though Williams is clearly a project player, there is still a chance he blossoms in Minnesota.
He showed flashes at the end of last season, averaging 15.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists on 49.7 percent shooting in March. Williams is not a ball-in-hand scorer, but he can still provide value in transition and as a solid defensive player.
Green can shoot, defend, and provide much-needed consistency. However, as a 6-foot-6 wing, there is some redundancy with Brice Sensabaugh, Svi Mykhailiuk, and Josh Okogie on the roster. Darryn Peterson and Ace Bailey are also guaranteed significant minutes on the wing.
His role and how much of an impact he can make on the floor will remain a question mark until the season rolls around.
The Ugly
The last four seasons are tied for the worst four-year stretch by win percentage since the Jazz moved to Utah.
The reward for all of the losses was four lottery picks. After Monday night’s trade, neither the No. 9 pick in 2023 nor the No. 10 pick in 2024 remains on the Jazz roster.
Taylor Hendricks was one of several pieces sent out in the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade, which brought a former All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year to Utah. Williams, however, was traded for a rotational piece.
All of Utah’s eggs are now in the baskets of Bailey and Peterson to develop into All-Star-level players.
That comes with plenty of risk, but for now, the Jazz are a slightly better team today than they were yesterday.
