Lauri Markkanen, the seven-foot wing with a knack for shooting, has been making headlines in NBA trade rumors this offseason. At 27 years old, Markkanen is considered an All-Star level talent, making him a hot commodity in the trade market. The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently in possession of Utah’s 2025 first-round pick, which is top-ten protected. This makes it a strategic move for the Jazz to consider trading Markkanen in order to fully embrace a youth movement and bottom out for the 2025 draft. Additionally, Markkanen is set to become a free agent in 2025 and is likely to sign a new extension with his new team shortly after being traded.
While there have been rumors linking Markkanen to various teams, including the Thunder and Heat, five potential trade scenarios have been floating around the NBA community. The Pelicans, Warriors, Jazz, Magic, and Kings are all reportedly interested in acquiring Markkanen in exchange for a package deal that could benefit both parties involved.
One possible trade scenario involves a three-team blockbuster deal with the Pelicans. The Warriors, who have also shown interest in Markkanen, could potentially pursue Brandon Ingram as a backup plan if the price for Markkanen proves to be too high. Ingram, an All-Star-level wing, would bring additional shot-creation abilities to the Warriors lineup and pair well with Stephen Curry. Moving on from Andrew Wiggins could also make this trade beneficial for Golden State.
The Jazz, on the other hand, could receive a substantial return for Markkanen in a trade involving two promising second-year wings and multiple future draft picks. This move would allow Utah to fully commit to a rebuild and compete for a top draft pick in the upcoming years. Another potential trade option sees the Magic going all-in to acquire Markkanen, adding another elite shooting threat to their roster. With the assets to make a strong offer, Orlando could potentially give up two 2023 lottery picks to secure Markkanen’s services.
Lastly, the Kings are reportedly still interested in bringing Markkanen to Sacramento, despite recently adding DeMar DeRozan to their lineup. With Markkanen’s size, shooting ability, and versatility, he could be a great fit for the Kings as they aim to establish themselves as contenders in the Western Conference. In return, the Jazz could receive this year’s 13th overall pick, Devin Carter, and Kevin Huerter, along with multiple draft picks in a potential trade with the Kings.
As the NBA offseason heats up, the trade rumors surrounding Lauri Markkanen continue to swirl, with multiple teams vying for his services in hopes of strengthening their rosters for the upcoming season. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
