NBA Trade Rumor: San Antonio Spurs Potential Offer for Lauri Markkanen
Lauri Markkanen trade rumors have circulated all summer. The San Antonio Spurs were supposed to be interested in the Finnish Utah Jazz star forward, but there has been no confirmed offer until now. According to Brett Siegel, the Spurs are prepared to deal Keldon Johnson and many first-round selections for Lauri Markkanen.
Whether the Jazz should make this transaction depends on what the Spurs mean by “multiple” first-round choices. Will these choices be unprotected? Will they be Spurs’ own picks or Hawks’ own picks? Keldon Johnson is a good player, but he does not have all-star potential, thus getting him is not the focus of the deal; rather,
the draft compensation is. If many refers to two or three unprotected first-round picks, the Jazz should say no. If numerous refers to four or five unprotected first-round selections,
the Jazz should definitely answer yes, depending on the years and picks. The Spurs choice in 2025 is significantly more valuable than the Spurs pick in 2029 because the Spurs are far more likely to be poor next year than in five years. The Hawks’ selections, which the Spurs hold, are also highly important since the Hawks might struggle in 2025 and 2027.
