Of all the teams the Utah Jazz could send Lauri Markkanen to this offseason (if that's the plan), the Orlando Magic could be the most tantalizing one because that could elevate them to title contender even with how young their best players are. Financially, a deal could absolutely work.
Markkanen's extension with the Jazz doesn't technically kick in until July 1, so for now, he is paid $42 million, which is slightly but notably cheaper than the contract he'll start getting paid in a few months at $46+ million.
That gives a team like the Magic the ample opportunity to acquire him without having to part with more salary to match in a trade than they would if they waited until that July 1 date. And yes, the two sides can agree to a deal right now while the playoffs are going on because both seasons are finished.
SLC Dunk's James Hansen floated a trade that would send Markkanen to the Magic, where Utah would do two favors for Orlando. He proposed the following swap.
Jazz trade: Markkanen
Magic trade: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Anthony Black, Gary Harris, No. 16 pick in 2025 NBA Draft, 2026 unprotected Magic first-round pick, 2028 unprotected Magic first-round pick
Hansen explained why the Jazz would make this trade.
"Utah gets a young, promising guard in Anthony Black, and they can move two pieces in KCP and Gary Harris. This also ensures the Jazz can get a top pick next year. Utah can’t afford to mess around next season with their pick that they only keep if it’s top-8 in the draft," Hansen wrote. "...Utah hopes that the Magic have a downturn in 2028, but this includes the #16 pick in this draft, which could be a great player."
The Jazz also do the Magic a favor in this trade by taking Caldwell-Pope, who had an awful first season in Orlando, but they get three draft assets out of this deal and add to their youth. Knowing what Markkanen is capable of, this may not sound like the best deal, but because of the CBA, and after the season the Finnisher just had, it wouldn't be too surprising if this is the best deal Utah can find.
Teams are aware Markkanen doesn't really fit their timeline and he did not perform up to standards with the Jazz. His expensive contract only makes him harder to trade. The Jazz could get the young players and assets they want back for him, but they would have to be doing multiple favors for their trade partner like they would for the Magic here if they completed this trade.
From the Magic's standpoint, this deal could be a home run. They've got their franchise cornerstones in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, and just need another shot creator, and they would get that in Markkanen.
Markkanen also wouldn't compromise their play bigger strategy, as Orlando's biggest advantage is, well, how big they are. Their greatest disadvantage is their lack of scoring, and Markkanen gives that to them.
Another piece the Jazz could include to make this deal work
The one conundrum is that this could have major ramifications for the Magic's salary cap situation, as it could put them very much in the trenches of the NBA's first tax apron and potentially in the second one as well.
What could sway the Magic to bite that bullet is by taking Collin Sexton as well. Sexton is a pure scorer, which the Magic have badly lacked in their backcourt since building their playoff-contending team. The Magic's offensive struggles show how much they needed Sexton, so getting him and Markkanen would suddenly turn a palpable weakness into an undeniable strength.
And no, it wouldn't be too hard to include the salaries to make that trade work. Even if the Magic are young, this is their chance to turn themselves into a contender, and the Jazz could get the most value possible for Markkanen and Sexton in the process.
The Magic likely wouldn't be the Jazz's first choice as a Markkanen destination, so while this isn't the perfect deal for them, this might be the best they can hope for.
Grade: B+
(Remember that this grade is from the Jazz's point of view. From the Magic's, it's hard to see how it's not an A+)