The Utah Jazz are reportedly willing to part ways with star big man Lauri Markkanen for the right price.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, that price currently includes three first-round picks, three or four unprotected pick swaps, several second-round draft picks and Golden State Warriors shooting guard Brandin Podziemski.
The Utah Jazz have been more focused on trying to acquire Brandon Podziemski in any trade for Lauri Markkanen, per @ShamsCharania.
Jazz have been trying to get Brandon Podziemski, 3 1st round picks, 4 unprotected pick swaps and a handful of 2nd rounders. pic.twitter.com/ZEtuTkd35X
— Andy (@AndyJPuente) July 16, 2024
“I dont think they want to move Lauri Markkanen,” Charania said. “But if the Golden State Warriors put in a Brandin Podziemski, and, from what I’m told, three first-round picks, three, four unprotected pick swaps, three, four second-round picks.”
Charania added that the Warriors might be willing to move Podziemski but not all the mentioned picks, or vice versa.
Clearly, the Jazz are looking for another lucrative trade deal for a star on their roster. This has been a trend for the Jazz in recent years. In the past few seasons, the Jazz have parted ways with several former franchise faces.
First, they dealt big man Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves for a massive haul of players and picks. They then sent Donovan Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers for another significant trade haul. Interestingly, Markkanen was part of the deal that sent Mitchell to Cleveland.
Now, it looks like Markkanen could be the latest Utah star to head elsewhere in exchange for a combination of players and picks.
If a deal is made, the Jazz will arguably have the most impressive collection of future picks in the entire league. However, that is not a guarantee of success.
It will then be up to Jazz head coach Will Hardy, general manager Justin Zanik and the rest of the front office to make the right picks to build a homegrown winner.
A recent example of this strategy is the Oklahoma City Thunder. For years, the franchise stockpiled young players and picks, and they now appear to be one of the favorites in the Western Conference leading up to the 2024-25 NBA season.
Clearly, the Jazz have their sights set on a similar trajectory in the coming years. It will be interesting to see if the Jazz can finalize a deal to add to their stockpile of future picks.
