3 trade ideas the Utah Jazz absolutely need to pass on

So, if the Jazz are going to trade Markkanen away before they see what the 2023-2024 Utah Jazz squad can be, this trade from NBA Analysis is at least better. It’s not perfect, but we’d consider this one. Like with the Indiana Pacers trade, it features three team-original first-round picks and two players, but this time it’s Lou Dort and Ousmane Dieng

Dort isn’t a great player and shoots a lot for someone with bad efficiency but he’s at least a young piece with upside and trade value. And while Dieng didn’t do anything as a rookie, there also exists the possibility that he could be dealt for another player down the line or even a late-round draft pick.

There’s value in the players if the Jazz don’t decide to keep them. That can’t be said about the Pacers’ deal.

Utah Jazz Receive: G/F Luguentz Dort, F Ousmane Dieng, 2024 First-Round Pick (UTA via OKC), 2025 First-Round Pick (PHI via OKC), 2026 First-Round Pick (Top-4 Protected – HOU via OKC)
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: F/C Lauri Markkanen

The problem with this trade, as with the last trade, are the picks. Getting the Jazz’s first-round pick back makes sense, as it’s a projected lottery pick, but it’s unlikely the 76ers are trash in 2025, same with the Rockets in 2026.

Admittedly, however, these are the best picks the Thunder can really offer. So it’s not like they’re holding back on giving the Jazz the best picks possible. Either add another first-round pick onto the package, two second-round picks, or either Jaylin Williams and Aleksej Pokusevski

One of those three options would put the package over the top to the point where the trade package would be significant from what you’re walking away from.