Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen has been dominant at the 2025 EuroBasket. In his performances for Finland, the forward has showcased why he is considered one of the most talented offensive players in the league.
Although Finland lost in their final game of the group stages, with a 61-91 blowout against Germany, they still managed to secure a spot in the round of 16. Much of their success at the tournament could be attributed to Markkanen, who averaged 25.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.8 steals per game.
Markkanen’s ability to contribute on the offensive end of the floor is not to be overlooked. As a versatile forward, the 28-year-old has showcased his ability to be a key rotation player in a variety of situations.
Although he is gifted, there are some concerns about his ability to sustain his growth while playing for the Jazz. Given the franchise’s uncertain direction, Markkanen would benefit from seeking different opportunities.
On this note, we explore three different trade options that would allow the young forward to maximize his potential and make the most of his prime years.
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons could be considered an intriguing landing spot for Markkanen, especially considering his style of play. Detroit made an impressive run through the playoffs last season, taking two games off the Knicks before being eliminated.
Although they are a young team, the Pistons are poised to take the East by storm. In an effort to transform their roster into a legitimate contender, acquiring Markkanen could be the right move.
Proposed Trade Details
Detroit Pistons Receive: Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz Receive: Tobias Harris, Isaiah Stewart, Marcus Sasser, 2027 first-round pick
This deal benefits the Jazz, as it lets them acquire two young players to fill out their rotation, a first-round pick, and an expiring contract worth $26.6 million. Meanwhile, the Pistons acquire an extremely capable replacement for Tobias Harris, significantly increasing their offensive and rebounding production.
At 7’0″, Markkanen possesses a rare blend of athletic driving and perimeter shooting ability for a big man. These traits would be immensely advantageous to Detroit’s offense, which features balanced production around the floor.
Paired with Cade Cunningham, the Jazz forward would become the beneficiary of several kick-out passes to the perimeter and lobs. Along with this, he would also have the opportunity to be the second option on offense for a winning team, spurring his growth as a player.
Last season, the 28-year-old recorded an average of 19.0 points and 5.9 rebounds, while shooting 42.3% from the field and 34.6% from three-point range. This was a dip in form, as injuries disrupted his momentum.
With Markkanen entering his prime, he fits Detroit’s title window. In the right conditions, his addition could see the Pistons become competitive for years to come.
Miami Heat
Much like the Pistons, the Miami Heat could also be a team to look out for in the upcoming season. Having made some crucial roster moves, the Heat have become a lot younger.
Although they are positioned to be a dark horse in the East, the Heat are an organization familiar with winning. With a young core in place, Miami could look to acquire Markkanen to cultivate the depth of its established core and make a title charge.
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Lauri Markkanen, KJ Martin
Utah Jazz Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier
The Jazz would be in favor of receiving two expiring contracts, worth up to $54.8 million. With the opportunity to clear a significant amount of cap space, Utah may be inclined to do this trade.
Meanwhile, acquiring Markkanen and KJ Martin only serves to improve Miami’s overall roster strength.
Although parting ways with Andrew Wiggins may affect the team’s defense, Markkanen’s scoring and length address two key needs for Miami heading into the upcoming season.
Next to a star like Bam Adebayo and a talented young center like Kel’el Ware, the Jazz forward would slot in seamlessly into the frontcourt rotation, acting as a small forward.
Meanwhile, Martin’s athleticism and defensive ability would make him a solid piece off the bench. With an average of 6.4 points and 2.9 rebounds last season, the 24-year-old could do well to improve Miami’s rotational depth.
Markkanen’s style of play would pair well with Adebayo, allowing the two to function as a solid inside-outside threat. Meanwhile, the Finnish forward could also be a reliable kick-out passing option for Heat star Tyler Herro.
Overall, the addition of Markkanen would improve Miami’s offensive production. However, considering the growth of Nikola Jovic, the Heat may be hesitant to do this trade as it may stunt the growth of the Serbian forward, who possesses a similar set of skills.
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are among the most promising young teams in the league heading into the 2025-26 season. With an incredible collection of talented young players, the Spurs could be on the verge of building a dynasty from scratch.
In this regard, San Antonio could be an ideal destination for a player like Markkanen, who would benefit from being part of a core with title aspirations.
Proposed Trade Details
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz Receive: Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, 2027 first-round pick (ATL), 2029 second-round pick
The Jazz would be interested in this deal due to the potential acquisition of a talented young guard, the draft capital, and Harrison Barnes‘ expiring contract.
The Spurs, on the other hand, may not be inclined to do this trade, but it could be beneficial for them. By parting ways with Barnes to acquire Markkanen, San Antonio effectively becomes a younger team.
With two players in their prime in Markkanen and Fox, the Spurs will have a realistic title window that aligns with the development of key young players such as Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper.
The notion of pairing Markkanen and Wembanyama together is a truly fascinating one. Given the sheer floor spacing and athletic potential, the Spurs could boast one of the most lethal big man duos in the league.
This trade wouldn’t transform the Spurs into title contenders right away. But considering the potential of the roster and the room Markkanen will have to grow in such a system, San Antonio could be on the path to title contention.
Jazz Intend To Keep Markkanen
The Utah Jazz have made some questionable moves this offseason. After parting ways with Collin Sexton and John Collins, the latter for allegedly odd reasons, the Jazz effectively reduced their overall roster strength.
While this would indicate that the franchise is leaning towards tanking the next season as well, Utah has been fairly certain about retaining Markkanen, which raises some eyebrows.
Although the Finnish forward was on the trading block earlier in the offseason, these rumors have died down. Overall, this paints an uncertain picture for Markkanen, who still has four years left on his contract.
