According to the latest reports, the Utah Jazz are finally open to exploring a trade for Lauri Markkanen. That is a huge shift. Last summer, the Golden State Warriors attempted to trade for Lauri, but the Jazz declined, hoping for a better package. That didn’t happen, and now they find themselves with a 28-year-old star who is ready to compete for a championship. But the Jazz are not in that phase, and they need young players and assets.
Three Teams That Can Realistically Trade for Lauri Markkanen
While the Jazz are open to trading Markkanen per Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, it will not be an easy task. For starters, he has a high salary. That means that any team trying to trade him has to be willing to take back more money or part ways with some of their high-salary players. This is one of the reasons why the Warriors, for example, cannot realistically make a trade without including Jimmy Butler or Draymond Green.
If the Jazz decide to part ways with Markkanen, they will look for high quantity and quality of assets in exchange. They need either high lottery picks or potential cornerstones. For these three teams, trading for the Finnish star might mean parting ways with one of their young potential stars. Will they go for it? Let’s explore the realistic options.
