One NBA analyst suggested that the San Antonio Spurs acquire Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz.
San Antonio Spurs receive: Lauri Markkanen.
Utah Jazz get Keldon Johnson, Malaki Branham, 2025 first-round selection (top-three protected), 2025 first-round pick (via Atlanta), 2029 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick (via Dallas), and 2026 first-round pick exchange (via Atlanta)
The Spurs are one of the teams interested in obtaining Markkanen from the Jazz.
“The Spurs are reportedly among the 7-footer’s suitors, per Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer, and they certainly have the assets to make something happen if they want to fast-forward things around ascending superstar Victor Wembanyama,” Buckley said in his piece about NBA trades. “Markkanen, who turned 27 in May, may be an excellent costar since he can help raise the franchise’s floor while not putting instant pressure on the young centrepiece to win right away. A Wembanyama-Markkanen frontcourt would be a powerhouse of size, length, and two-way ability. Each provides paint-to-the-perimeter scoring, on- and off-ball utility, and defensive adaptability to frustrate players of different sizes and play types.
“Let Chris Paul properly position this pair for greatness for a year, and something special could be brewing in San Antonio sooner than later.”
Markkanen is one of the best players in the NBA. He averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.5 blocks for the Jazz in 2023-24, shooting 48.0% from the field, 39.9% from outside the arc, and 89.9% from the free throw line.
Markkanen has career averages of 18.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.5 blocks with the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Utah Jazz. He won Utah’s Most Improved Player of the Year award in 2022-23.
The Jazz are considering trade offers for Markkanen, who is in the final year of his contract. He will earn $18 million next season.
“The Jazz could certainly try haggling for additional picks, but there’s a lot of quality here,” Buckley said. “The Hawks might self-destruct at any time, so having control over their next two draft picks would be enormous. The Mavericks have totally invested in the now and may pay for it in the future. The Spurs may not click right immediately (they did lose 60 games, after all), and who knows how their roster will look five years from now.
“Utah may first desire Devin Vassell, but lowering down to Johnson and Branham might please both parties. The Spurs would keep their best current fit in Wembanyama, while the Jazz would optimize their draft pick return by accepting two distinct prospects, both of whom are under 25 and creative and capable on offence.”
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