Lauri Markkanen has been one of the most productive players for the Utah Jazz during his tenure with the team. While it would be highly unlikely for the Jazz to part ways with the forward, the recent trade of John Collins has effectively changed the outlook of the franchise.
Recent revelations have suggested that the Jazz traded Collins because of his impact on winning. If this is to be considered true, a similar future may present itself for Markkanen, who averaged 19.0 points and 5.9 rebounds while shooting 42.3% from the field and 34.6% from three-point range.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst addressed this matter on a recent episode of “The Hoop Collective” podcast, when talking about the possibility of Markkanen being traded. He said:
“I don’t think Markkanen is getting traded in the next few weeks. I know this is not necessarily what he signed up for, so keep an eye on Markkanen.”
While this presents a vague future, there is a real likelihood for the Jazz forward to be on the way out of Utah.
Considering that he has been involved in trade rumors with the Lakers, there is certainly a market for him. But with a $46,394,100 cap hit this season and with four years left on his contract, teams may be hesitant to trade for him due to the risk of going over the first apron.
With this in mind, we explore four ideal destinations for the 28-year-old this offseason.
Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets have been making some interesting moves this offseason. Although they have some capable scorers on their side, they could benefit from having a player possessing Lauri Markkanen’s skillset anchor their frontcourt rotation.
Proposed Trade Details
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz Receive: Nic Claxton, Terance Mann, Noah Clowney, 2027 first-round pick (NYK), 2031 first-round pick
A deal of this nature would be considered quite outrageous, but the benefits for the Nets are not to be overlooked.
The addition of Lauri Markkanen would be a massive boost to the overall roster strength. The recent acquisition of Michael Porter Jr. from the Denver Nuggets only added to the offensive firepower. With a versatile forward like Markkanen starting next to him, Brooklyn would have significantly more offensive options available to them.
Markkanen’s length is also a big factor in this move. At 7’0″ tall, the Finnish forward would be the tallest person in the starting rotation. Paired with an athletic big man like Day’Ron Sharpe, who is capable of holding his own in the paint, the Nets would feature an offensively flexible frontcourt if the trade goes through.
The decision to part ways with Claxton also finds some basis in the performance of Nets rookie Danny Wolf in the Summer League. Wolf has showcased tremendous ball handling and playmaking ability for a player of his size. Should the Nets cultivate his talents, he would be a tremendous fit next to Markkanen in the starting rotation.
Detroit Pistons
Another team that could benefit from adding some size to its roster is the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons are primed to make a rise through the ranks of the Eastern Conference next season, and with Markkanen on their side, they would be a force to be reckoned with.
Proposed Trade Details
Detroit Pistons Receive: Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz Receive: Tobias Harris, Caris LeVert, 2027 first-round pick
The Jazz do this deal to acquire expiring and short-term contracts along with draft capital. But the Pistons do this deal purely to become a contender in the East.
Given the current state of the conference, the Pistons have a real shot at being a top-4 team. Led by an inspiring young star in Cade Cunningham, Detroit features all the right pieces to be a threat, except for size.
While Jalen Duren has had an immense impact on the team’s interior defense and rebounding effort, the lack of size in the frontcourt has limited their overall output. The addition of Markkanen would give the team a lot more balance.
Markkanen’s ability to stretch the floor would create more opportunities for players like Ausar Thompson and Cade Cunningham to operate near the basket. Interestingly, the departure of Tim Hardaway Jr. also created a need for a perimeter threat. The addition of Duncan Robinson addressed this need, but it also allows a stretch forward like Markkanen to seamlessly fit into the rotation.
While the on-court chemistry may take time to develop, Markkanen’s presence could ultimately prove beneficial for this young Pistons squad.
Portland Trail Blazers
Since allowing Deandre Ayton to walk in free agency, the Portland Trail Blazers need a more dynamic, star-caliber player. With Markkanen available on the market, the Blazers could look to restructure their franchise around the 28-year-old.
Proposed Trade Details
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz Receive: Jerami Grant, Matisse Thybulle, 2027 first-round pick, 2029 second-round pick (WAS or IND)
The Trail Blazers could prove to be an interesting landing spot for Lauri Markkanen this offseason. While Portland’s long-term direction remains unclear, indications suggest they intend to move on from Jerami Grant’s contract.
In this trade scenario, Grant’s departure would be greeted by Markkanen’s arrival. This would be an upgrade in every sense.
Markkanen’s perimeter shooting and overall offensive versatility make him a superior acquisition to Grant. Although his defensive contributions pale in comparison, the forward proves to be a more reliable presence on the floor overall.
The Blazers aren’t in a position to compete at this juncture, especially considering how stacked the Western Conference is.
In the immediate context, the pairing of Markkanen and the newly acquired Jrue Holiday could make for a formidable duo. But with some talented players on their roster, Portland could look to structure their rebuild around their young players instead, with the 28-year-old playing the role of the veteran leader.
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards have made a lot of moves this offseason, acquiring a lot of veteran talent in the process of doing so. With a relatively competent roster, the Wizards could look to bolster their starting rotation by trading for Lauri Markkanen.
Proposed Trade Details
Washington Wizards Receive: Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz Receive: Marcus Smart, Corey Kispert, 2026 first-round pick (PHX), 2027 first-round pick, 2029 second-round pick (HOU)
Last season, the Wizards finished at the bottom of the East with the worst record in the NBA. After making some changes, the team is primed to be more competitive. The addition of CJ McCollum gives some legs to their starting backcourt, but it is quite evident that their frontcourt needs some support.
A trade for Lauri Markkanen would answer the need for length and offensive firepower in the frontcourt. Paired with Khris Middleton on the wings, Markkanen would have the opportunity to be the primary scoring option on the team.
Injuries have disrupted Markkanen’s rhythm, but he’s proven capable of carrying an offense. A trio of Markkanen, McCollum, and Middleton could potentially be effective if the three of them remain healthy.
The outlook with the Wizards is possibly the weakest among the four teams mentioned. But the opportunity to be the go-to option on offense could do wonders in improving Markkanen’s overall value.
Is It Time For The Jazz To Trade Markkanen?
There are multiple ways to approach this question, especially while considering what the Jazz’s approach to the offseason has been.
Utah has made attempts to acquire short-term deals, expiring contracts, and draft capital. While this would indicate an attempt at building through the draft and rebuilding, the Jazz haven’t necessarily succeeded in doing so thus far.
Drafting Ace Bailey and developing Keyonte George could have promise in the future, but Markkanen is entering his prime and has four years left on his contract. If the timelines aren’t matching, Utah should consider trading the forward while his contract still has value.
