Trading Lauri Markkanen would truly be a stupid move for the Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz are said to be interested in trading a handful of players, namely Jordan Clarkson, Kelly Olynyk, John Collins, Collin Sexton, and Talen Horton-Tucker if you're to believe Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. Fischer wrote that most of the players on the Jazz could be traded if the right deal came along. While that wouldn't be the worst thing for the Jazz, Fischer also wrote that franchise face Lauri Markkanen isn't untouchable.

Fischer wrote that Markkanen could be had for the right price, but we're talking a Rudy Gobert-like return type of "right price".

"Utah has indeed left opposing executives with the sense that Markkanen is no longer untouchable in trade conversations." Fischer writes. "League sources told Yahoo Sports, a tangible change from previous transaction windows."

The change isn't too shocking, the Jazz aren't good this season and a lot of it has to do with coaching, player fit, and the moves the front office made, or didn't make. It's set the whole thing up to be rather nightmarish, and due to that, the Jazz are left in a lurch of sorts, trying to figure out what or who comes next

And honestly, trading Markkanen should not be the thing that comes next. The team isn't far from being able to compete for an NBA playoff spot and trading your all-around best player because of a bad start would be foolish. The goal should be to extend Markkanen long-term and hope that guys like Keyonte George, Taylor Hendricks, Brice Sensabaugh, and Walker Kessler become the players they're supposed to be.

Or at least are traded for players who can help Markkanen get to the playoffs. He's widely considered a Top-20 player right now and his offensive skillset is as unique as they come; there is no replacing Markkanen with just any old draft pick. Most teams hoard picks just for the chance to get a player like Markkanen.

The Jazz already have one, so let's no screw this up by making the team get another one to replace him.