SportsNBA

Actions

'Today hurts;' Joe Ingles shares emotions following Jazz trade

Jazz Knicks Basketball
Posted at 12:15 PM, Feb 09, 2022
and last updated 2022-02-09 20:22:45-05

SALT LAKE CITY — Joe Ingles didn't hold back after learning he was traded by the Utah Jazz after nearly eight years with the team.

"Today hurts," tweeted Ingles, who was part of a three-team deal Wednesday involving the Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio Spurs. Ingles was dealt to Portland, while the Jazz will receive Blazers guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Spurs forward Juancho Hernangomez.

WATCH: Joe & Renae Ingles discuss autism journey, efforts to spread awareness and acceptance

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

Instead of being bitter, Ingles said he still stands firmly behind his now former teammates.

"Go get a win fellas! I'll always be watching," exclaimed Ingles.

Ingles, 34, who began his Jazz career in 2014 after being cut by the Los Angeles Clippers, suffered a season-ending ACL injury on Jan. 30. Because of the injury, Ingles' value to the Blazers comes from his expiring $13 million contract.

Since Ingles is a free agent after the season, ESPNs Adrian Wojnarowski, who first reported the trade, said the Australian native could return to Utah in the offseason.

Because of his deficiencies on the defensive end of the court, an Ingles trade did not come as a surprise, but the loss of a longtime favorite among his teammates and fans will be felt by many.

Ingles himself acknowledged a trade was possible when he met with the media following the injury last week.

"If I’m able to get someone back that would help them make a push for the end of the year, I understand that," Ingles told ESPN. "I’m not going to sit here and be sour and upset."

Along with her husband, Ingles' wife Renae expressed her appreciation for the fans in Utah while sharing her feelings on Twitter.

"Today is so sad. I don’t have the words to put together just yet. Incredibly grateful for the last 8 years here as part of the Jazz family & Utah community. Focus is Joe’s knee & rehab. Deeply saddened, & thankful for you all xxx."

Alexander-Walker was traded for the second time in two days after being dealt by the Pelicans in the deal that will bring C.J. McCollum to New Orleans. The 17th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Alexander-Walker is averaging 12.8 points per game this season.

In addition to Ingles, the Jazz are also sending out two second-round draft picks and forward Elijah Hughes.

The Spurs will receive Tomas Satoransky, along with one of Utah's second-round draft picks; while in addition to Ingles, the Blazers will get Hughes from the Jazz and another of their second-round picks.