The Utah Jazz are in a make-or-break scenario this NBA season. After trading away most of their established core, Danny Ainge is building the team in his vision. However, the rebuild is yet to enter its worst stages. Thanks to excellent coaching by Will Hardy and the growth of Lauri Markkanen, the team has been competitive, at the very least.
But, that could change as next season comes around. After rumors of a potential move for Mikal Bridges, it looks like the Utah Jazz are heading toward a complete rebuild. Unsurprisingly, the first domino to fall might be the Markkanen. A bonafide 20 ppg scorer, Lauri has found his groove in Utah. After years of mediocrity with the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers, his career changed dramatically with the Jazz. As a result, a Most Improved Player selection and All-Star game appearance are already under his belt.
Just set to enter his prime, the Finnish 7-footer could fetch a hefty price at the trade market. While the single year remaining on his contract might turn some teams off, Lauri might well be worth an extension. But, so far, no trade has come to pass. Despite reported interest from multiple destinations, no news has come out of the Jazz camp. As a result, it remains doubtful which direction Ainge and the Utah front office go in.
However, there are a variety of trades that could give the team a hearty return. So far, many rumored offers have come out. Here are 3 that the team might give a second glance toward.
The most heavily rumored of the lot, this deal feels more stagnant than the rest. The initial offer was made. But, Utah isn’t budging. According to reports, the Jazz absolutely want Brandin Podziemski in any potential Lauri deal.
However, after a breakout rookie season, where he showed 2-way potential, 3-and-D upside, on-ball creation, and is dirt cheap at less than $2 million a year, the Golden State Warriors might not be willing to budge.
Beyond Podz, the deal is likely to center around a collection of draft picks. With the Warriors having control over most of their own picks, throwing the proverbial war chest might be an option. The hesitancy from Golden State is understandable.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz, Golden State Warriors Updates
Brandin has immense potential and could also keep them relevant in a post-Stephen Curry world. But, with Curry operating at near-prime levels, it might be incumbent upon the team to do their best to a Contender-worthy roster.
The Orlando Magic’s reasoning is simple. The team has taken a dramatic leap forward in just two seasons with Paolo Banchero. Last season, they were the 5th seed and had a tough 7-game series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
For them, the calling card has been defense. However, the offense remains relatively stagnant. Beyond Franz Wagner and Banchero, the team doesn’t have any reliable scoring options. Moreover, the shooting remains the biggest question mark with no bonafide snipers on the squad.
So far, Orlando has done a lot to cover their deficits. Bringing in Kentavious Caldwell Pope was the perfect complement. Primarily serving as a catch-and-shoot specialist, KCP is a consistent 40% shooter while giving the strong defense the Magic are accustomed to.
The trade for Markkanen answers more of those questions. A consistent shooter averaging over 20 ppg with ease, Lauri would give the team a unique outlook. Further, despite being a legitimate 7-footer, the Finnish superstar can play the 3 with ease, given his inside-out ability. That additional offensive boost, along with their already excellent defense might elevate them further into contender status.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz, Orlando Magic Updates
On the Jazz front, the move might be relatively simple. They want to get rid of Lauri, and in the Magic, they have dance partners who could readily provide some solid young pieces. Names like Anthony Black, Jett Howard, and others could find a new roster to flourish in. Further, with Orlando owning most of its picks, a couple of first-rounders, especially in the vaunted 2025 draft could add to the trade’s allure.
The team needs draft picks = contact the Oklahoma City Thunder. The war chest that GM Sam Presti has available to him makes any expiring contract or disgruntled star a possibility for the Thunder. But, with the roster taking a gigantic step forward as the 1-seed last season, the team has a few expendable pieces. Some pieces could be on the move with their core mostly set, as evidenced by the Josh Giddey for Alex Caruso swap.
Names like Ousmane Dieng, Kenrich Williams, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, or the newly acquired Nikola Topic could form the player core. But, beyond that, with their collection of picks, Oklahoma could throw the most lucrative offer for Lauri. Additionally, Utah could also be in play to get their own pick back from OKC, further allowing them to rebuild without fear.
Oklahoma’s move is rather simple. Last season, their only real struggle was rebounding. Bringing in Isaiah Hartenstein immediately solved that crisis. But adding another 7-footer would further give them rotational flexibility.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Moreover, the team lacks true star power. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is their true MVP candidate. But without a jump from either Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, or both, the team doesn’t have a secondary star. In a league that is desperately star-heavy, Markkanen could solve that crisis for them.
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