The J-Notes
Fansided

3 trade ideas the Utah Jazz absolutely need to pass on

By Chad Porto

Lauri Markkanan is playing at an all star level. (Photo by Chris Gardner/ Getty Images)
Lauri Markkanan is playing at an all star level. (Photo by Chris Gardner/ Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 13: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz handles the ball while being guarded by Aaron Nesmith #23 of the Indiana Pacers in the second quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 13, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 13: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz handles the ball while being guarded by Aaron Nesmith #23 of the Indiana Pacers in the second quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 13, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Any trade where the Utah Jazz trade away Lauri Markkanen now would be foolish. If the Jazz can compete with Markkanen today, and develop its young core along the way, this is a team that can compete for the playoffs and NBA titles for years, if not decades to come. So why expedite a potential dynasty?

Especially for the return on investments, this NBA Analysis trade is suggesting. In a very poorly conceived trade suggestion, the Indiana Pacers would send aging guard T.J. McConnell, aging big-man Daniel Theis, and three first-round picks, all from Indiana.

McConnell and Theis on their own are likely not worth anything, and they’re too old to think about as long-term options for a playoff run. The three first-round picks sound good, but assuming the Pacers are a top contender in the East, you’re looking at the mid to high 20s at best.

Picks that essentially have the same value as an early second-round pick.

"Jazz Receive: G T.J. McConnell, F/C Daniel Theis, 2024 First-Round Pick (IND), 2026 First-Round Pick (IND), 2028 First-Round Pick (IND) Pacers Receive: F Lauri Markkanen"

This is a bad trade. It’s three low-tier first-round picks, and two veterans for Markkanen, a Top-25 player in the NBA currently. Why would anyone agree to suggest a lowball offer? You’d need to add one, if not two good young players to this trade package to make us reconsider it.

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