Lauri Markkanen’s future with the Utah Jazz is set after he signed a huge five-year, $238 million extension, securing his role as the franchise’s centerpiece. Coming off an All-Star season and Most Improved Player award in 2023, Markkanen is thriving, but he can’t do it all on his own. With the Jazz looking to build around him, they need to add a second All-Star to truly compete in the Western Conference. Here are five trades Utah should explore to get Markkanen the help he deserves.
1. Brandon Ingram
Potential Trade Offer To The Pelicans: John Collins, Drew Eubanks, 2025 First-Round Pick (via MIN)
Brandon Ingram’s future with the Pelicans is hanging by a thread. He’s heading into the final year of his contract and is eligible for a four-year, $208 million max extension, but the Pelicans aren’t too excited about giving him that kind of deal. This hesitation stems from his fit alongside Zion Williamson, which has been iffy at best. The Pelicans actually performed better last season when only one of them was on the floor, and the team’s front office has been contemplating a shake-up.
The Pelicans just brought in Dejounte Murray, and while that gives them a new dynamic in the backcourt, it doesn’t solve their interior issues. They lost Jonas Valanciunas, leaving a glaring hole at center. Zion can’t do it all on his own, and adding a guy like John Collins from the Jazz could give the Pelicans the frontcourt boost they need. Collins brings athleticism and solid scoring, while Drew Eubanks would give them some extra depth and toughness in the paint. This deal could help the Pelicans balance their roster while planning for the future with a first-round pick in their back pocket.
For the Jazz, it’s all about getting Lauri Markkanen some much-needed help. They finished 12th in the West last season, and while Markkanen had another solid year, it wasn’t enough. Ingram would slide in as a go-to scorer alongside Markkanen, relieving him of some offensive pressure. Ingram’s 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists last season prove he’s still got plenty to offer, especially on a team like Utah that needs a wing who can create his own shot.
The Jazz would be in a position to extend Ingram after the trade, though they’ll need to be ready to shell out close to the $208 million he’s seeking. If things go well in Utah, locking him up long-term could make sense. Ingram might not have reached that elite superstar tier, but he’s still young and could thrive in a fresh environment where he can be more of a focal point.
This deal makes sense for both teams: the Pelicans fix their frontcourt issues, and the Jazz get the star power they need to stay competitive in the West.
2. Nikola Vucevic
Potential Trade Offer To The Bulls: John Collins, 2025 First-Round Pick (via CLE)
The Bulls are clearly moving toward a rebuild after trading DeMar DeRozan earlier this offseason, and with that, Nikola Vucevic looks like the next veteran on the way out. Vucevic is still one of the more consistent centers in the league, but he doesn’t fit into the Bulls’ long-term plans. In 2023-24, he averaged 18.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 48.4% from the field and playing in 76 games.
For the Jazz, adding Vucevic would give them a reliable veteran presence in the middle, which they desperately need. His ability to score in the post, rebound, and stretch the floor with his shooting would complement Lauri Markkanen perfectly. Vucevic also brings experience to a Jazz team that’s full of young talent but lacks the consistency needed to make a serious playoff push.
In return, the Bulls get John Collins, a younger player who can fill the power forward position and bring some much-needed athleticism and versatility. Collins has had his ups and downs, but a change of scenery could be just what he needs to get his career back on track. The addition of a 2025 first-round pick also gives the Bulls more flexibility as they continue to rebuild.
For Vucevic, his $40 million, two-year deal is manageable for the Jazz, and with their current roster construction, they need a veteran who can help stabilize their young core. Both teams benefit: the Bulls get younger and add future assets, while the Jazz add a proven center to help them compete now.
3. Trae Young
Potential Trade Offer To The Hawks: Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, Cody Williams, 2025 First-Round Pick (via CLE)
The Hawks have been stuck in a tough spot when it comes to Trae Young. Even though he’s still putting up big numbers, like 25.7 points and 10.8 assists per game last season, his fit with the team has been under scrutiny for a while. Rumors about a potential trade have been swirling for months, with some suggesting that the Hawks might be ready to move on from Young and fully commit to a rebuild.
The Hawks didn’t make a deep playoff run last year, and with Dejounte Murray already dealt, there’s growing speculation that they might entertain offers for Young, especially after picking Zaccharie Risacher with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The front office has been weighing its options, and while Young is undeniably talented, some around the league feel his game hasn’t translated to consistent team success.
For the Jazz, landing Young could be a game-changer. He’s an elite playmaker and scorer, and pairing him with Lauri Markkanen would give Utah a dynamic duo capable of elevating them to contender status in the West. The Jazz would give up Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, and young prospect Cody Williams in this deal, along with a 2025 first-round pick, to bring in a player who can take over in crunch time.
On the Hawks’ side, this trade would give them flexibility to start fresh. Sexton and Clarkson provide immediate offense, and Cody Williams offers long-term potential. With the 2025 pick, they also get more assets for the future. It’s a win-win if Atlanta decides it’s time to move on from Young and begin a true rebuild.
4. CJ McCollum
Potential Trade Offer To The Pelicans: Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, 2025 First-Round Pick (via MIN), 2030 Second-Round Pick (via LAC)
CJ McCollum’s role with the Pelicans has been solid, but with Dejounte Murray now running the show as the main ball-handler, things are starting to get crowded in New Orleans. Between Murray, Zion Williamson, and Brandon Ingram, there just aren’t enough touches to go around, and that’s why McCollum might be the odd man out.
Last season, McCollum was still getting it done, averaging 20.0 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.3 rebounds while shooting a respectable 43% from three. The guy can flat-out score and would be a perfect veteran addition for the Jazz. He’d give Utah a reliable shooter and playmaker, which they really need, especially during crunch time. Lauri Markkanen would have more freedom to play off the ball, and McCollum’s leadership could help guide this young squad to the playoffs.
For the Pelicans, they get Collin Sexton, who’s younger and brings that bulldog mentality on both ends, and Jordan Clarkson, a certified bucket-getter who can heat up in a hurry. Plus, they pick up a 2025 first-rounder and a 2030 second-rounder, which gives them more flexibility for the future.
This trade feels like a win for both sides. The Jazz get a proven scorer and leader in McCollum, who could never become an All-Star yet in his career, but his caliber has been on the top tier for a long time. Meanwhile, the Pelicans add depth and future assets around their core of Murray, Zion, and Ingram.
5. D’Angelo Russell
Potential Trade Offer To The Lakers: Collin Sexton, 2025 First-Round Pick (via CLE)
D’Angelo Russell has been in the middle of trade talks pretty much his whole career, and things aren’t any different now. He’s coming off a solid season with the Lakers, where he averaged 18.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds over 76 games in 2023-24, while shooting 41.5% from three. Despite the consistent production, his performance in the playoffs was shaky, and that’s kept him in the trade rumor mill.
He’s already been an All-Star during his time with the Nets, and at 28 years old, he’s still got plenty left in the tank. For the Jazz, Russell could step into a lead role, taking over the offense and giving them a veteran playmaker who can score and create shots for others. He’s the kind of player who could take some of the load off Lauri Markkanen and help the Jazz make a real playoff push.
For the Lakers, this deal brings in Collin Sexton, a younger, more athletic guard who can push the pace and give them a different dynamic. Plus, that 2025 first-round pick gives them flexibility to make further moves as they continue to build around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
While Russell has embraced his role with the Lakers, even addressing the rumors head-on, his future remains uncertain. He’s on an expiring contract worth $18.7 million, and whether he finishes the season in Los Angeles or elsewhere is still up in the air.
