The Boston Celtics have a chance to close Game 5 of the NBA Finals in their favor, winning the franchise’s 18th NBA championship. However, getting decimated in Game 4 (122-84) to the Dallas Mavericks was just ugly and there are long-term concerns that this team can be a dynasty. Luckily for them, there is a blockbuster trade that could create a dynasty in Bean Town for the first time since Larry Bird owned the 1980s and it involves acquiring All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen.
Trade Details
Boston Celtics Receive: Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz Receive: Al Horford, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2026 First-Round Pick, 2027 Second-Round Pick (POR or NOP)
This trade will obviously shake up the Eastern Conference and create a dynasty in Boston that will almost certainly be in contention for a three-peat.
Boston Celtics Form A New Dynasty
Acquiring Lauri Markkanen would significantly bolster the Boston Celtics’ roster, giving them a legitimate shot at establishing a dynasty and pursuing a three-peat. Markkanen’s unique blend of size, shooting ability, and defensive prowess makes him an ideal fit for Boston’s system. This past season, the 2023 All-Star averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks per game on 48.0% from the field and 39.9% from three.
At just 26 years old, he is entering his prime and has proven himself as a versatile forward who can stretch the floor, protect the rim, and defend multiple positions. This trade ensures the Celtics get a long-term replacement for the aging Al Horford (8.6 PPG, 6.4 RPG), who has been exceptional for Boston but is 38 years old and counting. Adding Markkanen aligns perfectly with the Celtics’ need to maintain their competitive edge while planning for the future.
Markkanen’s integration with the Celtics’ core of Jayson Tatum (26), Jaylen Brown (27), Jrue Holiday (34), Derrick White (29), and Kristaps Porzingis (28) could create one of the most formidable starting lineups in the NBA. Markkanen’s ability to block shots, make threes, and defend will complement Tatum and Brown’s scoring and athleticism, while Holiday’s playmaking and defensive acumen would orchestrate a balanced attack.
Porzingis’ presence as a skilled big man pairs well with Markkanen, providing a twin-tower effect that can dominate both ends of the floor. With Derrick White transitioning to a sixth-man role, the Celtics’ bench depth and overall team versatility will be significantly enhanced.
While Al Horford’s departure will be felt, given his leadership and defensive contributions, the Celtics are making a calculated move for sustained success. Markkanen’s unselfish play style and high basketball IQ fit seamlessly into Boston’s team-oriented approach and he can establish a foundation for a potential dynasty.
Utah Jazz Rebuild With Multiple Picks
The Utah Jazz, focused on rebuilding around their young core of Keyonte George and Walker Kessler, would benefit significantly from trading Lauri Markkanen for multiple first-round picks. Acquiring Boston’s 2025 and 2026 first-round picks, along with a 2027 second-round pick, would provide the Jazz with valuable assets to accelerate their rebuild.
Additionally, the inclusion of Payton Pritchard (9.6 PPG on 38.5% 3-PT FG) and Sam Hauser (9.0 PPG on 42.4% 3-PT FG) offers immediate depth and potential development pieces for the Jazz’s evolving lineup. At the same time, trading Markkanen to the Eastern Conference makes strategic sense for the Jazz. By moving him to the Celtics, Utah avoids strengthening a Western Conference rival, which could directly impact their own playoff aspirations in the future.
Markkanen’s trade value is at its peak, following a season where he demonstrated his all-around game, making it the ideal time for the Jazz to maximize their return, allowing them to develop at a steady pace. By cashing in on Markkanen now, Utah can position itself as a rising force in the NBA, with a balanced approach to nurturing its young core and acquiring future assets.
Brad Stevens Can Pull A Blockbuster Deal To Guarantee A Three-Peat
Brad Stevens, known for his strategic acumen and bold moves as he showed by acquiring Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, has the opportunity to orchestrate a blockbuster deal that could set the Boston Celtics up for an unprecedented three-peat. By acquiring Lauri Markkanen, the Celtics not only address immediate needs but also position themselves as the favorites for the next three NBA championships.
Markkanen’s skill set perfectly complements the core of Tatum, Brown, Holiday, White, and Porzingis, creating a balanced and dynamic team capable of dominating both ends of the floor. With this trade, the Celtics would boast one of the most talented and deep rosters in the league, making them the team to beat. Stevens’ ability to pull off this deal could indeed guarantee a Celtics dynasty, making them the favorites to achieve a remarkable three-peat and solidify their place in NBA history.
