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Ranking the 7 best assets Jazz can receive from Golden State in Lauri Markkanen trade

While a trade for Lauri Markkanen does not appear imminent between Golden State and Utah, the Warriors have various appealing assets that the Jazz could pick from.

By Matt John

Minnesota Timberwolves v Utah Jazz
Minnesota Timberwolves v Utah Jazz / Alex Goodlett/GettyImages
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7. Gary Payton II

Payton was once the darling child of the Warriors back when they won in 2022. Now, he might be yesterday's news after the offseason the Warriors have had. After adding De'Anthony Melton, Buddy Hield, and Kyle Anderson, Payton might be out of the Warriors' rotation.

What's hurt Payton since getting his big NBA paydayis that he, well, keeps getting hurt. He's played in 66 combined games since the Warriors won the 2022 NBA title. So why would the Jazz want him?

The answer is his expiring contract. Granted the Jazz have plenty of cap flexibility as is, but who's to say a little more wouldn't hurt? It's why the Jazz are more than willing to acquire Russell Westbrook only to waive him. Payton would fit under the exact same umbrella and get another chance to prove his worth on another contender.

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