It's laughable that Lauri Markkanen has been named among Pistons targets

Because it wasn't clear what the Utah Jazz's long-term direction was before the season started, there was a fair argument that it was in their best interest to trade Lauri Markkanen while his value was high. It's why the Detroit Pistons were named as a possible Markkanen destination multiple times, but now? With where the Jazz are going, they have little reason to trade Markkanen, let alone to Detroit.

Why bring this up? Because earlier today, ESPN's Shams Charania revealed that with the Pistons on the brink of elimination, they will look into adding some stars, with Markkanen being one of their potential targets.

Markkanen would make a lot of sense for Detroit, as they lack a secondary shot creator to put next to Cade Cunningham. Even worse, it's arguably the biggest reason why the Orlando Magic are on the verge of pulling off one of the most humiliating playoff upsets in NBA history.

But Utah is hoping to vault themselves to the highest level possible next season with Markkanen leading the way. Why trade with the Pistons when they have every reason to see what they have in this core?

Next season, Utah could have a very deadly rotation featuring Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Keyonte George, Ace Bailey, and Walker Kessler, among others. Getting rid of Markkanen gets in the way of that. Not to mention, what do the Pistons have that the Jazz would want?

Cade, of course, but why would Detroit trade him? Besides him, there's not much else they have that would catch Utah's eye. The Pistons may understandably do some due diligence on Markkanen this summer, but it's hard to see how a deal would be struck now, as the Jazz are in win-now mode.

The only scenario the Jazz would trade Markkanen at this point

In a situation like this, the Jazz would only entertain a Markkanen trade if they got an upgrade. He may not be among the best players in the NBA, but he's not too far off from them. For example, trading Markkanen for someone like Devin Booker would be a lateral trade.

But if Utah were to get their hands on like someone like Giannis Antetokounmpo in a Markkanen trade, that they would do (though in Antetokounmpo's specific case, they would also need assurance that he will stay for the long haul).

But the odds of a trade like that being on the table seems nil. That could change if it turns out Utah isn't as good as they hope to be next season, but they'll gladly cross that bridge when they come to it.

Now, Markkanen may be traded in the future when the Jazz realize they have to pay Bailey and can't keep everyone on the roster, but that's three years from now. All the power to the Pistons in finding Cunningham's long-term partner-in-crime, but the Jazz won't be the ones to give it to them.

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