With the NBA offseason in full swing, a new player is leading the trade market: Jazz star Lauri Markkanen. According to league insider Brett Siegel, one team is willing to give up three first-round picks in a potential deal.
“Utah is currently leaning more in the direction of keeping Markkanen, who wants to remain with the franchise and receive a long-term extension, despite receiving an offer that included three first-round picks,” wrote Seigel. “Ainge and the Jazz have yet to truly progress in any trade discussions centered on Markkanen.”
Markkanen, 27, was the 7th overall pick in 2017. As a 7-year veteran and former Most Improved Player, Lauri has ascended into a star with the Jazz and it’s made him their most valuable trade asset. Through 55 games last season, he averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game on 48.0% shooting.
Lauri came to the Jazz back in 2022 after being traded from the Chicago Bulls. Under head coach Will Hardy, the 7’0″ big man blossomed into a proper elite and he’s been the envy of various teams in the West.
But after finishing 12th in the West last season, the Jazz may finally be ready for a clean slate and trading Lauri is arguably their best path to a quick rebuild. As a young team focused on player development the Jazz will be looking for picks in any trade for Lauri, and if they get an offer that includes three of them it could be a bargain they’re unwilling to refuse.
The biggest question now for Lauri is which team will be the one that lands him. As a 7’0″ big man who can do it all on the court, various teams are expected to join the pursuit, including the Lakers and Warriors.
In San Antonio, however, the Spurs have the assets and the motive to make a strong offer. With the ascension of Victor Wembanyama, they need to improve the roster by any means necessary, and trading for Lauri may be the best way to get there. Together, Wemby and Lauri could dominate the paint and provide a ruthless interior defense.
As a team with an abundance of draft picks, the Thunder are another contender for Lauri. After losing in the Conference Semi-Finals last season, I believe that they are just one or two pieces away from being favorites in the West. With Markkanen, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams, the Thunder could become a borderline dynasty in the West and they’d still have plenty of assets left over.
With several big-name players off the board, including Paul George, Klay Thompson, and DeMar DeRozan, the pool is starting to dry up for teams looking to make upgrades. The teetering Jazz might be the last team left to fall and players like Lauri, John Collins, Collin Sexton, and Jordan Clarkson could become easy pickings for those with assets to spare.
If the price for Lauri is as high as three picks, only a few teams will be able to beat it but the Jazz have shown reluctance to trade him at this time. Unless they get a monster offer, the Jazz are likely to keep Lauri at least until the deadline, when a new group of teams will be lining up to make an offer.
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