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It continued with waiving Ian Clark.
It culminated with signing Chris Johnson to a multi-year contract.
Yes, the Utah Jazz were busy on Thursday. When the smoke cleared, the Jazz added themselves another shooter in Johnson. They kept Cooley for the remainder of the season, with his 10-day contract expiring on Wednesday night. They also waived Clark, who had been with the team for the better part of two seasons.
The Jazz had Johnson early in February, and he played well for the the team. But Utah ultimately released him, in part because they needed to keep a roster spot open for the trade deadline.
So what does it mean?
It means the Jazz are still accumulating assets. Now, the team has a bundle of money in non-guaranteed contracts heading into this summer. That can be useful in trade scenarios, as teams around the league look to clear space under their salary caps.
It means the Jazz can take an extended look at people like Cooley, and Johnson, and Bryce Cotton during summer league, and make an educated decision beyond the scope of the regular season on their potential value to the team.
It means that the Jazz are still looking for potential diamonds in the rough, so to speak. They may have already found a few in the likes of Elijah Millsap and Joe Ingles. General Manager Dennis Lindsey wouldn't bulk at finding more pieces to add to the core.
But most importantly, the Jazz are remaining flexible, and keeping their options open. This is a team with a bunch of assets accumulating in the coffer, and Lindsey has said the team will look to be aggressive this summer. The Jazz now know they can potentially put themselves in playoff contention next season, with the right moves. This off-season could be busy, with the way Utah seems to be setting itself up.
Tony Jones