League analyst sees San Antonio Spurs get Lauri Markkanen trade done with FOUR first round picks

The San Antonio Spurs have one of the deepest collection of tradeable assets in the NBA, which is a good thing for them should they ever elect to try out an offer the likes of which Bleacher Report NBA analyst Dan Favale has proposed to land star Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen .

In Favale’s defense, the Spurs’ front office would be dealing with Jazz President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge, the legendary dealmaker who likely would simply stand pat for less. The offer Favale has in mind? Malaki Branham and Keldon Johnson would make up the contracts going out, as well as a total of four first round draft picks.

The Atlanta Hawks’ 2025 first, the Charlotte Hornets’ 2025 first (lottery protected and to turn into 2026 and 2027 seconds if not conveyed), Atlanta’s 2027 first, and San Antonio’s 2029 first (top-five protected) make up the draft assets to be included.

A hefty ask indeed, Favale echoes our thinking, saying “Utah almost certainly won’t relinquish Markkanen without a Godfather offer,” and we concur that this offer “feels Godfather-adjacent.”

Is it worth it? “Markkanen and Victor Wembanyama are a divine fit up front,” suggests the B/R analyst — and we are inclined to agree. So long as San Antonio feels confident he would stay with the team, this feels like a no-brainer for all.

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