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After trade from Minnesota, Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt aim to help Utah rebuild

jace frederick, pioneer press
·2 min read
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Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt previously played for two teams that were not playoff organizations when they arrived, but were when they departed. In different ways, they helped lay winning foundations in both Denver and, most recently — and notably — Minnesota.

The plan now after the duo, along with a bevy of others, were dealt by Minnesota as part of the Rudy Gobert trade is to do the same in Utah. After dealing Gobert and Donovan Mitchell — a pair of all-stars — this summer, the Jazz are thought to be rebuilding toward the future.

Vanderbilt and Beasley believe they can quicken that process.

“We weren’t a playoff team before, and we both end up making the playoffs with both teams. That’s our goal here, too,” Beasley said. “Play hard, push the envelope, change the culture wherever we go.”

“Just trying to bring those same qualities and pretty much we’re in that same boat, just trying to rebuild and establish a culture and create winning habits,” Vanderbilt said.

Vanderbilt played a massive role in that process in Minnesota. His nightly effort was contagious. It became not only his identity, but what defined the Timberwolves as Vanderbilt carved out a role in the NBA for the first time here.

“I was able to grow and kind of carve out my role and my niche in this league,” he noted. “And being a part of helping them change cultures and taking a team at the bottom of the league and kind of made them into a playoff team, it’s always great. I spent some years here, grew here, and it’s always a great time.”

Vanderbilt said he “wasn’t notified” about the trade to Utah in July, but he had a feeling his roster spot was “up in the air.” He’d heard the rumors, and he has been traded before. Both Vanderbilt and Beasley have been traded before — from Denver to Minnesota — so they knew the drill.

They both still have friends in Minnesota. Vanderbilt and Anthony Edwards are still in close contact. But Beasley noted his interactions with past teammates stop during the season.

“They’re not my teammates and they’re not my friends tonight,” Beasley said Friday morning.

Vanderbilt said he doesn’t carry many emotional ties. It’s a business. He’s got other things to focus on.

“I know a lot of teams are looking at us lightly,” he said of the Jazz. “We’re more than capable to compete, and we’ve got a great team and a great staff.”

Added Beasley: “I believe everything happens for a reason. I feel like I’m in a better place right now with a great opportunity. I’m going to take advantage of that.”

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