The Jazz’s roster is nearly complete.
After acquiring Jared Butler in the draft, and Rudy Gay and Hassan Whiteside in free agency, the Jazz added another piece by trading a future protected second-round pick for Golden State Warriors’ PF/C Eric Paschall, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Paschall, who averaged 9.5 points per game in 17.4 minutes per game on the court last season for the Warriors, is an old-school scoring forward, with a quality mid-range game and the ability to finish around the rim. However, his relative lack of size for the position means he’s not a fearsome defender or rebounder.
But Paschall does have important connections to the Jazz. Donovan Mitchell was one of Paschall’s best friends growing up in Westchester County, New York; the two played on the same AAU team. Later, Mitchell went to Louisville, while Paschall went to Villanova.
The pick relinquished in the deal is a Memphis 2026 second round pick, one they acquired last Thursday when trading the No. 30 pick to the Grizzlies for No. 40 and two second round picks. Then, they acquired Baylor guard Jared butler with that pick, and now Paschall with the other.
The deal means that the Jazz have 14 roster spots accounted for, assuming the return of Miye Oni and not yet signing either Trent Forrest, Juwan Morgan or Jarrell Brantley to a main roster spot. The NBA’s roster limit stands at 15, plus two two-way contracts.
Paschall was drafted by the Warriors with the No. 41 pick, and named to the NBA All-Rookie first team in 2019. However, an improved Warriors squad found him less playing time in 2020, leading to the move Wednesday.
