An NBA analyst has suggested that the San Antonio Spurs should trade for Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz. Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed a trade where the Spurs would receive Markkanen in exchange for Keldon Johnson, Malaki Branham, a 2025 first-round pick (top-three protected), a 2025 first-round pick (via ATL), a 2029 first-round pick, a 2030 first-round pick (via DAL), and a 2026 first-round pick swap (via ATL).
The Spurs are one of several teams interested in Markkanen, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. Buckley wrote that the Spurs have the necessary assets to acquire Markkanen, which could accelerate the development of their rising star, Victor Wembanyama. He highlighted that Markkanen, who is 27, would be an ideal co-star for Wembanyama due to his ability to elevate the team’s performance without imposing immediate pressure for success. A frontcourt featuring Wembanyama and Markkanen would combine size, versatility, and two-way skill, contributing both offensively and defensively.
Buckley also mentioned that veteran point guard Chris Paul could help integrate this duo, potentially leading to significant success for the Spurs in the near future.
Markkanen is one of the NBA’s top players, having averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.5 blocks in the 2023-24 season while shooting 48.0% from the field, 39.9% from three-point range, and 89.9% from the free-throw line. Over his career with the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Jazz, he has averaged 18.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.5 blocks. He was named the 2022-23 Most Improved Player of the Year with Utah.
The Jazz are open to trading Markkanen, who is in the final year of his contract and set to earn $18 million next season. Buckley noted that while the Jazz might negotiate for additional picks, the proposed package from the Spurs offers substantial value, including potentially high draft picks from the Hawks and Mavericks. The Jazz might initially seek Devin Vassell, but could find Johnson and Branham to be a satisfactory return, allowing them to maximize their draft assets while obtaining two young, promising players.