SPURS LATEST UPDATE: Spurs President Gregg Popovich Issues a Surprising and Shocking Update on Spurs Lauri Markkanen Trade

Lauri Markkanen trade rumours have circulated all summer. The San Antonio Spurs were rumoured to be interested in the Finnish Utah Jazz star forward, but there has been no reported offer until today. According to Brett Siegel, the Spurs are willing to deal Keldon Johnson and several first-round selections for Lauri Markkanen.

Whether the Jazz should make this transaction depends on what the Spurs mean by “multiple” first-round picks. Will these picks be unprotected? Will they be Spurs’ own picks or Hawks’ own picks? Keldon Johnson is a good player, but he does not have all-star potential, therefore obtaining him is not the centrepiece of the transaction; rather, the draft compensation is. If many refers to two or three unprotected first-round picks, the Jazz should say no. If numerous refers to four or five unprotected first-round picks, the Jazz should definitely answer yes, depending on the years and picks.

The Spurs pick in 2025 is significantly more valuable than the Spurs pick in 2029 because the Spurs are far more likely to be poor next year than in five years. The Hawks’ picks, which the Spurs hold, are also highly important because the Hawks could struggle in 2025 and 2027.