NBA Rumors: Spurs, Keldon Johnson, Jazz, Lauri Markkanen, Grizzlies

Spurs

The Spurs have been involved in draft rumors for several weeks, with speculation that they could offer the Nos. 4 and 8 pick to try to move up, perhaps to No. 1. But sources told Hoops Wire that talk was never real.

They have, however, been floating the No. 8 pick on its own, per Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. 

The Spurs also own the Nos. 35 and 48 selections, and while all four picks could be utilized, it’s hard to envision them bringing four rookies to training camp.

“The Spurs don’t want to burn through assets before Victor Wembanyama is ready to win at the highest level, but building too slowly might frustrate him,” wrote Kevin Pelton of ESPN.

So, yeah. They are in a little bit of a pickle — but they have plenty of assets with which to work.

“Ideally, San Antonio adds veterans on two-year contracts, giving more structure to develop their young players (including this year’s Nos. 4 and 8 picks) while maintaining cap space for a run at a star player in 2026 ahead of the last year of Wembanyama’s rookie contract,” Pelton wrote.

• San Antonio is among the teams said to have an interest in 76ers free agent forward Tobias Harris, as we relayed here.
• Recent reports suggest the Spurs would seriously consider pursuing Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland should he become available, as some suspect. (Full story.)
• The names mentioned most in trade rumors are Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell, but mostly because those are the types of players others would want. The Spurs are indeed expected to “hear offers” for Johnson, per Brett Siegel of Clutch Points.

Jazz

The Jazz are armed with the No. 10 pick, as well as Nos. 29 and 32, and could package some in hopes of landing some veteran help. They also to figure out things with Lauri Markkanen.

“Much of the Jazz’s approximately $30 million in cap space will be earmarked for renegotiating Markkanen’s contract in conjunction with a long-term extension entering its final season,” Pelton wrote.

Perhaps a target such as the Spurs’ Johnson would make sense.

“Utah has more than enough incoming draft picks to also be active in the trade market, ideally targeting a player young enough to grow with four first-round picks from the past two drafts, plus two more this June,” Pelton added. “If San Antonio ends up dealing Keldon Johnson in a win-now move, he’d be a strong buy-low candidate as part of a multiteam deal.”

• Utah is also among those who could have an interest in the Sixers’ Harris, as we relayed here.
• Along with that, the names of Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson continue to creep up in trade rumors. We have that full story here.
• Markkanen was recently linked to the Lakers, Heat and Knicks, though the idea of the Jazz actually trading him seems far-fetched. (Full story.)

Grizzlies

The Grizzlies may have some moves around the edges, and perhaps a major one for some help inside. But that’s not their biggest priority.

“Nothing is more important for the Grizzlies than a return to health after their players missed a league-high 561 games to injury or illness last season — 185 more than the next-highest team,” Pelton wrote.

• Meanwhile, Memphis is said to have no interest in trading Marcus Smart, as we relayed here.