Utah’s starting small forward has emerged as a serious trade target for two contending teams, according to multiple league sources: the
Phoenix Suns and the
Boston Celtics. Both teams need to strengthen their respective second units, and Fontecchio has an easy salary number for Phoenix and Boston to get to as he is in the final year of a contract that pays him $3.1 million annually.
Fontecchio has emerged this season as an effective rotation-level player. He has shot the ball well, particularly since being inserted into the starting lineup. He’s also proven to be at least an adept wing defender.
The Celtics need frontcourt depth, and Fontecchio would be a good fit there. He’s a shooter with size and length, which will allow him to play in lineups with
Jayson Tatum and
Jaylen Brown. He’s fearless on the floor. The same logic fits with Phoenix, a team that needs a guy who can shoot and defend like Fontecchio, to take some pressure off
Kevin Durant,
Devin Booker and
Bradley Beal.
The question is: What would the Jazz potentially receive in compensation? The Suns only have second-round picks to deal. The Celtics are in a better spot and have a few firsts at their disposal. If Fontecchio is dealt, he will be a restricted free agent this summer, which would give team control to whoever trades for him. That also makes him attractive on the market.