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The 3 teams that could give the Jazz a great offer for Lauri Markkanen

Lauri draws a lot of attention on the trade market. Which offers should the Jazz consider?

By Dan Lower

Mar 27, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) goes to the basket against San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (10), guard Tre Jones (33) and forward Zach Collins (23) during the fourth quarter during the fourth quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) goes to the basket against San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (10), guard Tre Jones (33) and forward Zach Collins (23) during the fourth quarter during the fourth quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports / Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
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Trade #2 - New York Knicks

Knicks receive: Lauri Markkanen, 1st round pick in 2024 draft (from OKC via Utah)

Jazz receive: Julius Randle, 2024 and 2025 1st round picks

In this deal, the Jazz look to get a star talent in return for losing Lauri. Julius Randle has All-NBA talent, but is also in a contract year (he can opt out in the summer of 2025).

The Jazz would retain financial flexibility while having the option to move Randle at the 2025 trade deadline for additional assets if it doesn't work out - he would make an intriguing addition for a playoff stretch run for someone next year.

Gaining the #24 pick in this year's draft (from Dallas via New York) in exchange for the #29 pick would give the Jazz a better pick to combine with #10 if they move up in June. And the 2025 Milwaukee pick is nearly guaranteed to convey - it is Top 4 protected and the Bucks aren't likely to crash that far in 2024-25.

New York would get a floor-spacing big that would be easier to pair with Jalen Brunson and the Villanova boys (Hart and Divincenzo) and allow them to keep their quick-pace offense that was a bit slower and plodding when Randle was in their lineup.

For the Jazz, Randle would replace much of Lauri's production, and provide a bridge until Keyonte George or Taylor Hendricks take the next step. Yes, he is more iso-heavy than Lauri, but would open a lot up for Sexton and the other Jazzmen to cut to the basket or get open looks.

And if things accidentally work with Randle, Sexton, Kessler, George, and the rest of this bunch? Then build with them and move back into the playoffs. The Jazz would have options if they made this deal, now and in the future.

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