Utah Jazz trade Joe Ingles to Portland Trailblazers in three-team deal

Utah Jazz veteran Joe Ingles is traded to Portland as part of a three-team deal. Photo: AP Photo/Rick Bowmer

SALT LAKE CITY — After eight seasons with the Utah Jazz, Australian small forward and fan favorite Joe Ingles has been traded in a three-team deal, involving the Portland Trailblazers and San Antonio Spurs.

Following a tough stretch over the month of January where the Jazz went just 4-12, the organization has been in the midst of trade rumors for weeks, primarily centered around Ingles despite his recent ACL tear against Minnesota.

In addition to Ingles, Utah is sending Elijiah Hughes and a second-round pick to Portland in exchange for Nickeil Alexander-Walker and San Antonio’s Juancho Hernangomez. The Spurs will receive Tomas Satoransky and a second-round pick as part of the three-team deal.

The Utah Jazz are acquiring guard Portland’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker and the Spurs’ Juancho Hernangomez in a three-way deal, sources tell ESPN. The Spurs gets guard Tomas Satoransky and a second-round pick, and the Blazers get Joe Ingles, Elijah Hughes and a second-round pick.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 9, 2022

Today hurts… I knew it was a possibility but didn’t want to believe it, we have been lucky to call this place home for 8 years!

I got a lot more to say, but I’m going to have a beer & relax with some good friends..

Go get a win fellas! I’ll always be watching ❤️

— Joe Ingles (@Joeingles7) February 10, 2022

As for the Jazz, Alexander-Walker is a promising young talent with some considerable potential. Listed at the shooting guard position, Alexander-Walker was the 17th overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft and has played three seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans. For the year, Alexander-Walker is currently averaging 12.8 points, 2.8 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game.

Hernangomez on the other hand is a decent big-man who adds some depth to the forward and center positions. He is currently averaging 1.1 points, 0.3 assists and 1.7 rebounds per game.

While some Jazz fans may be sad that Ingles is no longer a member of their favorite team, it is important to note that he will become an unrestricted free-agent after this season and very well could resign with Utah on a veteran deal. With his ACL rehab it’s unlikely that the 34 year old will ever even suit up for Portland.