An NBA trade idea sending Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz to the San Antonio Spurs has been created.
NBA writer Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report created the following trade idea:
New York Knicks get: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks get: Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, Harrison Barnes, a 2026 first-round pick from New York (via Washington), a 2030 first-round pick from Miami, a 2030 first-round pick swap from New York, a 2032 first-round pick swap from New York, a 2032 first-round pick from Miami, a top-50 protected 2031 second-round pick from Utah and three second-round picks from New York
Miami Heat get: Karl-Anthony Towns
San Antonio Spurs get: Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz get: Keldon Johnson, Bobby Portis, Jeremy Sochan, Tyler Kolek, a 2029 first-round pick from San Antonio and a 2031 first-round pick from San Antonio
Markkanen is one of the top players in the NBA. He averaged 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.4 blocks for the Jazz last season in 47 games while shooting 42.3% from the field, 34.6% from beyond the arc and 87.6% from the free-throw line.
This NBA trade idea would pair Markkanen with Spurs All-Stars Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox.
Markkanen, 28, will make $46.4 million next season. He has played for the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers and Jazz, compiling averages of 18.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.5 blocks.
“Having him as an outlet for the two-man game of Wembanyama and Fox would instantly give the Spurs a dynamic offense,” Bailey wrote. “And though Markkanen isn’t on track to make an All-Defense team any time soon, he’s a legitimate seven-footer. And that much size in lineups with Wembanyama and the explosive athleticism of Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper could give San Antonio one of the league’s best defenses.”
The Spurs haven’t made the playoffs since 2019. They have a bright future with Wembanyama, Fox, Castle and Harper leading the way, but if San Antonio added Markkanen, the team would become a legitimate title contender.