“I would be blown away if Lauri Markkanen were on the Jazz at the end of the season,” stated Zach Lowe, sports analyst for The Ringer on a recent podcast episode – a phrase every Utah Jazz fan has heard for years.
Ever since his Most Improved Player campaign in the 2022-2023 season, Markkanen has been a part of every trade rumor the NBA and NBA fans alike can come up with.
But if the Jazz were to trade Markkanen for an up-and-coming talent, it would need to be a similar package of the Shai Gilgeous Alexander trade to the Thunder.
Is the Price Right for a Markkanen Trade?
In many podcasts, articles, and mainstream television shows, many agree that the Jazz have lost value in not trading Markkanen after his MIP season. Others will say he doesn’t fit the Jazz’s timeline and is too old for the young core.
With that said, the price for Markkanen might have gone up this season.
On Oct. 27, 2025, Markkanen went off for 51 points, 14 rebounds, and three assists. He’s averaging 31 points and 7 rebounds through the first seven games of the season.
These numbers are a major improvement from last year’s 19 PPG and 5.9 RPG. Players of this magnitude will do more than fetch you a few midrange players and picks.
Markkanen is an All-Star caliber player, and most of the time players like him don’t come cheap – as long as he keeps up these statistics.
Owning up to 10 first round picks, seven second round picks, and three pick swaps, the Jazz seem pretty set on draft capital. On top of that, the Jazz have averaged picking three players per draft – creating a lack of roster space.
Rumors? What Rumors?
NBA news is a lot like E! Entertainment — fans are in it for the drama and fame. Rumors have been circulating on potential suitors for the Jazz and Markkanen; the Detroit Pistons have been a name linked to the Jazz.
The mock package to Detroit would include long-time veteran Tobais Harris, Paul Reed, multiple picks, and former No. 5 overall pick, Jaden Ivey. Ivey has steadily increased his scoring numbers each year he has been in the league.
By all accounts, Ivey could be a solid guard for any team in the future, but he’s been injury prone. Ivey only played 30 games last year due to a fibula injury and is currently out with knee surgery.
Injury history alone could be a deterrent for the Jazz, but before any Pistons fans reading this article get mad, think of this: The Jazz already have a guard heavy roster.
Keyonte George is averaging 23.1 PPG and 8.1 APG this season. Not to mention Utah also has Walter Clayton Jr. and Isaiah Collier on the roster as well.
In a mock trade, the Lakers would send a 2031 unprotected first round pick, Dalton Knecht, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Maxi Kleber to the Jazz in exchange for Markkanen.
An unprotected first round pick is enticing for a rebuilding team to use or trade. Knecht could also turn out to be a core player if given the time to develop, but the trade might not go down without an Austin Reaves-level player.
Reaves would be a steep asking price for a Lakers team, one currently trying to figure out its future core for when LeBron retires. On top of that, the Lakers also don’t have much draft capital besides that coveted 2031 first round pick.
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Should He Stay?
Markkanen has shown enough that he can be a core piece on a team, especially at the start of this year. Even in a game where he struggled off the ball, Markkanen scored 32 points in a loss to the Trailblazers on Oct. 29.
In a recent interview, Austin Ainge, current general manager of the Jazz, explained why he and others around the league love Markkanen: “Part of the greatness of Lauri is that he fits with anyone.”
Markkanen is the modern day prime Rashard Lewis, a specialized catch-and-shoot scorer. Like Lewis, Markkanen can take over a game just by pure shooting and the ability to rebound.
An offensive threat of that magnitude requires much defensive attention – leading to extra space for rookies and other young players to work their game and develop quickly.
The Jazz have to think about whether they can pick up another Markkanen out of the draft. Players like Markkanen don’t grow on trees, so they have to be sure that they have the ability to replace him.
Markkanen has also been very vocal on how much he loves the state of Utah, even going as far to say he’s committed to playing for the organization for the foreseeable future.
Lauri’s play and commitment make him a hot commodity for Jazz fans in a market where most players and media don’t give the state and team a chance.
Should He Go?
Markkanen has an unlucky streak when it comes to making the playoffs. It’s been years since he’s remotely been in that scenario. If he wanted to play for a contender, the Jazz could respect his wishes and trade him.
Many make the argument that the Jazz and Markkanen are on different timelines. Markkanen is 28 years old while the rest of the team averages about 25 years in age.
Most players in their prime want to be on a winning team; with Markkanen entering his prime the Jazz would have to enter their winning window by next year. If not, Markkanen’s patience could wane thin for the organization.
There’s also a first-round pick hanging over the Jazz’s head. If they fall out of the top eight in the draft order the Jazz could lose their pick to Oklahoma City. Markkanen is a good enough player to win the Jazz too many games, a scenario that could have negative ramifications on the Jazz to come — especially with this year’s draft being laden with talent.
A healthy Markkanen also takes minutes and possessions away from young players like Ace Bailey. Even though they play different positions, Markkanen’s skill requires more time, leaving Bailey with less opportunity during active play.
If a major deal comes along that is too good to pass up, the Jazz would have to consider trading Markkanen. The deal would have to be huge and full of value, but picks and a young star player could prove enticing to the Jazz front office.
Is Lauri Markkanen Really “Finnished”?
With the trade deadline slowly approaching, the Jazz have some time to think about Markkanen’s future. Teams across the league hope to be the one to receive the phone call from Jazz management asking for a trade.
Is it in the cards for Lauri to leave? Are the Jazz confident enough that they can find another Markkanen within vast amounts of draft capital? Or do they hold onto a player about to enter the prime of his career?
The signs point to Markkanen staying in Utah for the foreseeable future with Austin Ainge making the statement, “We hope to have him around for the long term. He’s been a huge asset to our organization.”
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