The 3 teams that could give the Jazz a great offer for Lauri Markkanen
By Dan Lower
With the NBA season nearly completed, trade rumors are heating up again across the league. Players like Trae Young, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Mikal Bridges, and others are being discussed in mock trades in various outlets.
The Utah Jazz's own Lauri Markkanen has been in trade rumors as well, with the implication that if the Jazz moved Lauri, it would provide a massive return of assets. Teams like Oklahoma City, Atlanta, and even the LA Lakers have been in these rumors. Recently, LeBron James gave props to Markkanen as one of his favorite players on JJ Redick's podcast, according to Hoops Nerd.
Jazz fans do not want Lauri to be traded, and would prefer that Danny Ainge constructs the next Utah Jazz contender around him.
Yet, where Lauri has just one season remaining under contract before reaching unrestricted free agency, the Jazz have to consider all options, especially if they cannot agree to an extension this summer with Lauri and his agent, Michael Lelchitski of SIG Sports.
Going down the path where the Jazz cannot agree to terms on a lucrative extension with Lauri, what would be acceptable compensation for the Utah Jazz? Some would say a young, growing player along with multiple draft picks, and perhaps an expiring contract.
Let's be real - trading Lauri now in most scenarios will make the Jazz bad in the short term. The rebuild would go on. Even getting a young player who blossoms into a borderline All-Star will not be enough to return the Jazz to the playoffs in 2024-25 if Lauri is moved. The path to return to contention for Utah is too great to resolve in one offseason alone.
Viewing the Jazz rebuild at the beginning if a Lauri trade is consumnated, here are 3 offers the Jazz should consider for a Lauri trade.