UTAH JAZZ
Jazz Say Goodbye To Mike Conley After Timberwolves Trade
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz said goodbye to Mike Conley, Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker on Friday after Thursday’s trade deadline.
The Jazz sent out a series of social media posts thanking former players for their time in Utah, including a long message for the veteran Conley.
“For the last 4 seasons, Jazz fans have had the pleasure of watching you and your family grow,” the Jazz tweeted. “From becoming a first-time All-Star to the impact you’ve made on this community and beyond, we thank you. There will always be Mountain Mike fans in Utah.”
For the last 4 seasons, Jazz fans have had the pleasure of watching you and your family grow.
From becoming a first-time All-Star to the impact you’ve made on this community and beyond, we thank you.
There will always be Mountain Mike fans in Utah 🖤 @mconley11 pic.twitter.com/wOFFoJ6qWG
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 10, 2023
The post included a one-minute tribute to Conley who spent the last three seasons in Utah before being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Conley, 35, was originally acquired by the Jazz in the summer of 2019 in exchange for Jae Crowder, Grayson Allen, Kyle Korver, Darius Bazely, and a first round pick.
The veteran guard appeared in 213 games for the Jazz during his time in Utah and made three trips to the Western Conference Playoffs.
Conley also earned his first All-Star appearance in 2021 in Atlanta joining teammates Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert as the Jazz finished with the best regular season record in the NBA.
Jazz Say Goodbye To Beasley, Vanderbilt, Alexander-Walker
The Jazz also issued goodbyes to the three other players included in Wednesday’s blockbuster trade.
Beasley and Vanderbilt were sent to the Los Angeles Lakers after spending a half-season with the Jazz, while Alexander-Walker will join Conley in Minnesota.
Once a Jazzman, always a Jazzman @mbeasy5 🖤 pic.twitter.com/NrMwwtntwP
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 10, 2023
Beasley, 26, was originally acquired by the Jazz in the summer of 2022 in exchange for Gobert.
The sharpshooting guard appeared in all 55 games for the Jazz this season including 13 starts, the only player on the roster who has yet to miss a game.
Beasley will be a key addition for the Lakers who needed to add shooting ahead of their playoff push.
Thank you, @JVando 🖤 pic.twitter.com/aRT3NY8yPt
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 10, 2023
Vanderbilt, 23, appeared in 53 games for the Jazz this season including 41 starts before being replaced by rookie center Walker Kessler.
Beasley and Vanderbilt were two of the key pieces in the trade for Gobert in September. The Jazz also acquired Leandro Bolmaro, Patrick Beverley, and Kessler, in addition to first-round draft picks in 2023, 2025, 2027, and 2029.
The team also said goodbye to Nickeil Alexander-Walker who was acquired at last year’s trade deadline along with Juancho Hernangomez for the injured Joe Ingles.
For everything, thank you @nickeilaw 🖤 pic.twitter.com/0gI4VFP9RH
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 10, 2023
The guard averaged 6.3 points and 2.1 assists in 36 appearances for the Jazz over the last 12 months.
The Jazz acquired Russell Westbrook, Juan Toscano-Anderson, Damian Jones, and a future first round draft pick from the Lakers in the trade.
Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops or on Instagram @BensHoops.