Grading Lauri Markkanen’s Potential Landing Spots By Fit And Competitiveness

With the 2024 offseason heating up, Lauri Markkanen has become a hot topic in trade rumors. The versatile forward, who had a standout season with the Utah Jazz , is now being linked to several teams looking to bolster their rosters. Markkanen's ability to stretch the floor with his sharpshooting makes him an attractive asset for many teams.

Recent reports indicate that the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors are particularly interested in acquiring him. These teams see Markkanen as a valuable addition to enhance their frontcourt depth and floor spacing. The Spurs are exploring various trade options, potentially involving their draft picks and young talents to bring in Markkanen. They see him as a key piece to pair with Victor Wembanyama and accelerate their path to competitiveness. Meanwhile, the Warriors are considering a blockbuster trade involving Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and future draft picks to acquire Markkanen. They believe his presence alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green could reinvigorate their title chances while also planning for a post-Curry era.

The Jazz are reportedly open to listening to offers but will likely demand a high price for their star forward. Given Markkanen's impressive performance last season, averaging 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, his value on the market is substantial. Let's dive into these potential landing spots and evaluate them based on fit and competitiveness.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Potential Trade Offer For Lauri Markkanen: Luguentz Dort, Ousmane Dieng, 2025 first-round pick (via Clippers), 2025 first-round pick (via Heat), 2027 first-round pick

Lauri Markkanen had a fantastic season with the Utah Jazz, averaging 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. He’s a hot commodity with those stats, plus his shooting efficiency—48.0% from the field and 39.9% from three—makes him an all-around great player.

For the Oklahoma City Thunder, landing Markkanen would be a game-changer for their frontcourt. This trade offer includes Luguentz Dort, Ousmane Dieng, and a bunch of first-round picks, giving the Jazz a solid mix of defensive skills, young talent, and future draft assets for their rebuild.

The Thunder have been busy revamping their roster. They signed Isaiah Hartenstein to a 3-year, $87 million deal, which bolsters their interior presence. Trading Josh Giddey for Alex Caruso brings one of the league's top defenders to their backcourt. They also extended contracts for Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe, ensuring stability and depth.

Markkanen’s addition would really elevate their game. His ability to stretch the floor fits perfectly with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s driving game and Chet Holmgren’s inside play. This would enable OKC to run more complex plays and create mismatches against other teams. Markkanen’s scoring versatility and fit within the Thunder’s system make him an ideal target.

Although fitting Markkanen into a lineup with Hartenstein and Holmgren might seem tricky, it could actually work well. Hartenstein plays a traditional center role, which complements Markkanen’s perimeter game. Holmgren’s defensive versatility and inside-out play add flexibility. Together, they could form a dynamic and formidable frontcourt.

A potential starting lineup could be Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at point guard, Alex Caruso at shooting guard, Lauri Markkanen at small forward, Chet Holmgren at power forward, and Isaiah Hartenstein at center. This lineup offers a blend of scoring, defense, and versatility. Offensively, Markkanen and Holmgren’s spacing would open up driving lanes for Gilgeous-Alexander and create opportunities for Caruso and Hartenstein around the rim.

Defensively, Markkanen’s length and Holmgren’s shot-blocking would strengthen the Thunder’s interior defense, while Caruso and Gilgeous-Alexander could pressure opposing guards. This balance of offense and defense would make the Thunder a more competitive and well-rounded team.

The Thunder ended last season strong, making it to the Western Conference Semifinals before losing to the Mavericks. With a young core of Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, and now Caruso, they’re set to go further next season. Adding Markkanen could be the push they need to seriously contend in the playoffs and beyond. His scoring ability and fit within the Thunder's system make him a prime target for their ongoing growth.

Grade: A

San Antonio Spurs

Potential Trade Offer For Lauri Markkanen: Keldon Johnson, Blake Wesley, 2025 first-round pick (via Hawks), 2026 first-round pick

The San Antonio Spurs are eyeing Lauri Markkanen, hoping to pair him with their rising star Victor Wembanyama. The proposed trade package includes Keldon Johnson, Blake Wesley, and two valuable first-round picks. This deal gives the Jazz a mix of established talent and future assets, aligning with their rebuilding strategy.

The picks in this trade are quite valuable. The 2025 first-round pick from the Atlanta Hawks is particularly interesting because Atlanta, having traded Dejounte Murray to the Pelicans, is likely entering a rebuild phase. This pick could be a lottery pick. The 2026 first-round pick from the Spurs could also be valuable, as San Antonio is still building around Wembanyama and might not be a top contender by then.

The Jazz will likely demand a high price for Markkanen due to his impressive performance and impact potential. The Spurs recently signed Chris Paul to a one-year, $11 million deal after he was waived by the Warriors, adding veteran leadership and playmaking to San Antonio, which will be crucial for developing their young core and competing at a higher level.

Markkanen’s fit with the Spurs, alongside Wembanyama and Paul, is intriguing. Wembanyama, known for his defense and versatile offense, would benefit from Markkanen's floor-spacing ability. Markkanen can play inside and outside, creating more room for Wembanyama to dominate in the paint and use his mid-range game. This duo would be a nightmare for opposing defenses due to their size, skill, and versatility.

Chris Paul’s role as a facilitator would be enhanced by Markkanen's shooting. Paul excels in pick-and-roll situations, and having a big man who can stretch the floor would open up more options for him to orchestrate the offense. This trio would offer a balanced attack, with Paul running the offense, Wembanyama anchoring the defense, and Markkanen providing scoring from multiple areas on the court.

The Spurs missed the playoffs last season, but adding Markkanen and Paul could significantly boost their chances in the Western Conference. With Wembanyama's development and Markkanen's potential addition, the Spurs could become a formidable team. Markkanen's scoring versatility, combined with Paul's leadership and Wembanyama's all-around game, would make the Spurs much more competitive.

Grade: A-

Related: Utah Jazz Reportedly Want 4-5 First-Round Picks And A Star-Level Talent For Lauri Markkanen

Golden State Warriors

Potential Trade Offer For Lauri Markkanen: Andrew Wiggins, Moses Moody, 2026 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick

The Golden State Warriors are looking at Lauri Markkanen as a key addition to their roster. The proposed trade package includes Andrew Wiggins, Moses Moody, and two future first-round picks (2026 and 2028), offering the Jazz a mix of established talent and valuable future assets that fit their rebuilding strategy.

With Klay Thompson officially heading to the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million contract via a sign-and-trade, the Warriors need to fill the void left by his departure. This makes acquiring Markkanen even more critical.

Adding Markkanen to the Warriors' lineup would be smooth. His ability to stretch the floor complements Stephen Curry’s playmaking and scoring. Markkanen’s presence would provide the necessary spacing for Curry, while also enhancing the team’s offensive versatility. Draymond Green’s defense and playmaking would pair well with Markkanen’s scoring, creating a well-rounded frontcourt.

The Warriors’ recent offseason moves show their strategy to stay competitive. They’ve been exploring various trade options and managing their salary cap effectively. With Chris Paul’s contract off the books, the Warriors are balancing their roster while staying under the luxury tax threshold.

For the Jazz, getting Andrew Wiggins and Moses Moody brings immediate and future benefits. Wiggins, with his championship experience and defensive skills, would be a valuable addition. Moody, a promising young player, adds potential for future development. The two future first-round picks provide the Jazz with flexibility and valuable assets for their rebuild.

This trade scenario is strategic for both teams. The Warriors gain a versatile scorer in Markkanen, essential for their championship aspirations and long-term planning. The Jazz receive valuable assets to aid in their rebuild, aligning with their future goals. This deal could help both teams achieve their respective objectives, making it a win-win situation for both franchises.

Grade: B+

Sacramento Kings

Potential Trade Offer For Lauri Markkanen: Harrison Barnes, 2027 first-round pick, 2029 first-round pick, 2031 first-round pick

The Sacramento Kings are reportedly interested in acquiring Lauri Markkanen, aiming to bolster their roster and make a strong push for the playoffs. After finishing third in the Western Conference in 2023, the Kings missed the playoffs last season, highlighting the need for aggressive moves to strengthen their team.

Adding Markkanen to the Kings would provide a significant boost to their frontcourt, complementing the talents of De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. Fox's dynamic playmaking and speed, combined with Sabonis's versatility and interior presence, would pair well with Markkanen's scoring and floor-spacing abilities. This trio could form a potent offensive unit capable of challenging any defense in the league.

The Kings' potential trade package for Markkanen includes veteran forward Harrison Barnes and three future first-round picks (2027, 2029, and 2031). For the Jazz, this offer presents a mix of experienced talent in Barnes and valuable future assets, aligning with their long-term rebuilding strategy.

Sacramento's front office recognizes the urgency to be aggressive in the trade market, especially after their recent failed attempt to land Brandon Ingram. Securing Markkanen would not only address their immediate needs but also signal their commitment to building a competitive team around Fox and Sabonis.

The fit between Markkanen, Fox, and Sabonis is intriguing. Markkanen's ability to stretch the floor with his shooting would create more space for Fox's drives and Sabonis's post plays. Defensively, while Markkanen isn't known for his prowess on that end, his presence could be offset by the team's overall scheme and the contributions of other defensive-minded players.

Last season’s playoff miss was a wake-up call for the Kings. Despite their strong 2023 campaign, inconsistency and a lack of depth were issues they struggled with. By adding a player of Markkanen's caliber, they could address these weaknesses and provide a more balanced and formidable lineup.

The reported interest in Markkanen reflects Sacramento's understanding of their current position and the need to make bold moves. His scoring versatility, combined with the existing core of Fox and Sabonis, could elevate the Kings back into playoff contention and potentially deeper postseason runs.

In summary, the Kings' pursuit of Lauri Markkanen underscores their desire to compete at a higher level. His fit with Fox and Sabonis, along with the potential trade package, makes this a move that could significantly improve Sacramento’s chances in the Western Conference.

Grade: B-

Related: NBA Trade Rumors: Lauri Markkanen Pursued By Warriors, Spurs, Kings, And Timberwolves