UTAH JAZZ
Getting To Know Newest Utah Jazz Players From Timberwolves Trade
SALT LAKE CITY – Now that the Utah Jazz has officially traded Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the franchise now has five new players on their roster.
The Jazz sent Gobert to the Timberwolves in exchange for Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Jarred Vanderbilt, Leandro Balmaro, and rookie Walker Kessler, along with unprotected first-round picks in 2023, 2025, and 2027. Also, the Jazz will receive a 2029 first-round pick that is top-five protected, and the rights to swap draft picks with the Timberwolves in 2026.
The media was able to speak to the newest Jazz players that they received from the Timberwolves over the weekend as they were officially introduced. KSL SportsBeat has a breakdown of each player and what they will bring to Salt Lake City.
Getting To Know Newest Jazz Players From Timberwolves Trade
Malik Beasley
In 336 career games, Beasley averages 10.4 points and 2.5 rebounds while shooting 43 percent from the floor and 38 percent from the three-point line. He wants to repair his image during his fresh start with the Utah Jazz.
Most notably, Beasley was arrested in September of 2020 for pointing a gun at a family who parked near his home. When police officers searched Beasley’s property they found narcotics and numerous guns, one of which was confirmed as stolen, according to an article from ESPN.
After pleading guilty to a felony for threats of violence, the then-Timberwolves guard was sentenced to a 120-day jail sentence to be served after the 2020-21 NBA season. Beasley ended up serving 87 total days on house arrest and can see the felony reduced to a misdemeanor when he clears probation.
Malik Beasley on playing for the @utahjazz.
"I went to Utah for a few days just to see some things and I got great vibes. I love the view of the mountains, and I know every time I play in Utah the crowd is gonna be hyped. So I'm excited about that."#TakeNote | @kslsports
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) July 10, 2022
Now a member of the Jazz, Beasley wants to prove that chapter of his life is behind him.
“I’ve been through a lot over the past few years,” Beasley admitted, “and my main goal is to be way better off the court.”
The new Jazzman credited those close to him with the desire to rebuild his life.
“My family has been a big influence to me, my therapist has been a good influence because I get help now weekly by weekly,” Beasley said. “So just continue to be strong on and off the court.”
Patrick Beverley
Beverley was not made available to the media this past weekend because he is currently out of the country.
“Longtime NBA antagonist, brings great defensive fire and that intensity is needed with our team,” Jazz GM Justin Zanik said of Beverley.
The 10-year NBA veteran joined the NBA with the Houston Rockets in 2012-13, where he spent five seasons. After the success in Houston, Beverley went to the Los Angeles Clippers, playing four seasons with the franchise. The 2021-22 season with Minnesota was his first and last with the organization.
In 526 career games played, Beverley is averaging 8.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists per contest.
Walker Kessler
Just two weeks into his NBA career, Walker Kessler went from being drafted in the first round by the Memphis Grizzlies to being traded to the Timberwolves on draft. Then he was sent to the Jazz in the Rudy Gobert deal.
The crazy thing about that trade is Kessler grew up watching Gobert and picking up things from the former Jazzman.
One of the most prolific shot-blockers in NCAA history, Kessler discussed his game, and how it was influenced by Gobert.
“Growing up, Rudy Gobert is one of the greatest shot blockers to ever play the game,” the fresh-faced 20-year-old said.
The newest @utahjazz center had a solid resume in college. https://t.co/zNyRFT4qW2
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) July 1, 2022
Jarred Vanderbilt
As a second-round pick to the Orlando Magic in 2018, Jarred Vanderbilt started his career with the Denver Nuggets. After 1.5 seasons in Denver, Vanderbilt was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he spent the last 2.5 seasons.
“I think it’s a great opportunity,” Vanderbilt said about being traded to the Jazz. “To continue to grow and expand my game. I’ve heard nothing but great things about this organization. I’m excited to be here and looking forward to seeing where this goes.”
Vanderbilt averaged a career-high 6.9 points and 8.4 rebounds in 25.4 minutes per game last season.
Leandro Bolmaro
Bolmaro was drafted by the New York Knicks in the first-round with the 23rd overall pick. He spent the next season overseas before joining the Timberwolves for his rookie year in 2021-22.
“I asked to play in Summer League because I want to get better,” Balmaro said. “I want to improve, I want to earn my place on the team. I’m taking the Summer League to get ready for the season.”
As a rookie last season, Bolmaro averaged 1.4 points and 1.2 rebounds in 6.9 minutes played per game.
