Currently, Lauri Markkanen is the most sought-after player in the trading market.
The Utah Jazz have informed the rest of the NBA that acquiring their star player will require a historic asking price. Despite this, teams like the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs have shown significant interest. It’s understandable — Markkanen is a top-tier prospect who could transform many teams.
Markkanen had an outstanding year in Utah, averaging 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game with shooting splits of 48/39.9/89.9%. He’s done his best to keep the Jazz competitive as their top player since joining the team two years ago, but the lack of success and support around him has made the idea of a trade realistic, especially if Utah can get the desired package.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have a notable connection to the 27-year-old for obvious reasons. He would be an incredible fit in the frontcourt alongside Chet Holmgren and provide a star boost, making them a potential Western Conference favorite. They also have the draft capital to make the trade happen.
A trade package involving Cason Wallace, Luguentz Dort, and a significant portion of their first-round picks would be tempting for Utah. It offers an established, promising guard, an elite perimeter defender who can be flipped for more assets, and potentially more than five picks. Utah has already acquired numerous picks since trading Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, but Oklahoma City’s picks would further fuel their rebuild.
Although Markkanen’s addition could make the Thunder formidable, it’s not essential for them to remain a championship contender next season.
Oklahoma City’s offseason moves — including trading for Alex Caruso and signing Isaiah Hartenstein — have addressed playoff issues without sacrificing anything. Better shooting? Check. Rebounding help? Check. Versatile talent? Check.
While neither Caruso nor Hartenstein are All-Stars, they fill crucial roles. Both veterans excel defensively, an area where the Thunder were already strong last year. Caruso, a 40% three-point shooter, replaces the non-shooting Josh Giddey, while Hartenstein will help solve their rebounding problem.
If Oklahoma City were to add Markkanen, it would require significant adjustments. A player of his caliber needs many touches and shots, necessitating space creation for him. The team already has several players capable of averaging 20+ points per game, and adding another could overcrowd their offense, even with his talent.
Additionally, the Thunder would need most of their accumulated assets and to give Markkanen a massive extension in unrestricted free agency next offseason. With multiple contract extensions looming — notably for Jalen Williams and Holmgren — this could create cap issues and force some talent out.
While Markkanen would be a major addition, it’s in the Thunder’s best interest not to make the trade. Their offseason moves alone could be considered significant, so it would be wise to see how they can improve further before making any franchise-altering decisions.
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