The Utah Jazz have publicly stated that they plan to keep Lauri Markkanen, and this has not stopped the rampant trade rumors that have come about since. The noise will likely grow louder and louder as we inch closer and closer to February, but here's the one twist about a Markkanen trade: finding a trade partner would be tough.
The Salt Lake Tribune's Andy Larsen brought up this notion a few days back, where he listed potential Markkanen destinations, but also added the problems with those trade partners.
First, he brought up the one team that's been floated perhaps the most as a Markkanen destination: the Detroit Pistons, where he explained some of the contingencies of a potential deal.
"How do the Jazz and Pistons value (Jaden) Ivey and (Ausar) Thompson? And how many picks? Ivey is entering his fourth season, meaning he’s extension-eligible. That throws a wrench into those negotiations. And frankly, how much do the Pistons value Markkanen? Making this deal would be their remaining major move; is Markkanen the best player they can get for that package? He may well be."
Larsen then named the Spurs, but explained why it would be hard, writing, "De’Aaron Fox’s extension — and the money needed for Victor Wembanyama’s upcomig extension — make him an awkward contractual fit."
Next came the Golden State Warriors, who Larsen said could offer Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, but Larsen explained that, "the league’s opinion on those players has soured considerably — and even in 2024, the Jazz preferred Brandin Podziemski over Kuminga."
Larsen added that even if draft assets were included, the few Golden State can offer may not be enough for Utah.
"Future Warriors picks would be the promising assets to acquire, but the Stepien rule (which makes it nearly impossible for a team to trade away its first-round picks in consecutive drafts) would make it difficult to acquire more than two."
Larsen then brought up the Sacramento Kings, whose package may not be too flawed, as he also brought up the Jazz's previous interest in Devin Carter, the intrigue of Keegan Murray, and the Kings have picks to offer. He didn't write this, but the only conundrum would be salary matching. Would Utah be willing to take on DeMar DeRozan or Malik Monk?
Finally, Larsen mentioned the Miami Heat, where he wrote, "some in the Jazz’s front office were fans of rookie Kasparas Jakucionis. Nikola Jovic just earned a long-term contract extension. On the other hand, the Heat’s pick cupboard is pretty bare."
It wouldn't be surprising if all of these teams are mentioned as Markkanen suitors between now and February. However, for the reasons that Larsen listed, working out a trade would not be so easy.
A Markkanen trade could happen, but would be very complicated
Let the record show that if Utah ultimately decide that they are best off without Markkanen, they wouldn't get rid of him for the sake of getting rid of him. They would only do it if they have a deal they can't refuse.
Even if Markkanen looks as good as ever this season, he's not getting in the way of their tank, and if he were to do just that, that would only increase his trade value. Teams who want him will probably try to use his expensive contract and Utah's rebuild against them, but the Jazz can use their timeline as leverage.
That's what would make a deal for Markkanen complex. Utah won't settle because they wouldn't have to, and teams may not want to pay up for Markkanen, an excellent player by all accounts, but not a franchise cornerstone.
Plenty of teams will want him, and Markkanen should have an epic bidding war if he's put on the market, but the Jazz may call it all off if no one offers what they want.