Trade Proposal Sends Lauri Markkanen To Thunder, Lu Dort And Walker Kessler To Spurs, Draft Picks To Jazz

One NBA analyst proposed a three-team trade idea between the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz. 

Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report proposed the following mock trade:

Thunder Receive: Lauri Markkanen and a 2028 second-round pick from the Spurs

Spurs Receive: Luguentz Dort and Walker Kessler

Jazz Receive: Zach Collins, swap rights to the Los Angeles Clippers’ 2025 first-round pick, a 2025 first-round pick from OKC, a 2026 first-round pick from OKC (via L.A.), a 2028 first-round pick from OKC, a 2026 second-round pick from OKC (via Golden State), a 2028 second-round pick from OKC (via Utah), a 2026 first-round pick from San Antonio and a 2027 first-round pick swap from San Antonio

Markkanen is one of the best players in the NBA. He averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks in 2023-24 for the Jazz while shooting 48.0% from the field, 39.9% from beyond the arc and 89.9% from the free-throw line. 

A one-time All-Star, Markkanen will make $18 million next season in the final year of his contract. 

“Dort’s contract is highly tradable, and it just so happens to match up well with Markkanen’s,” Bailey wrote. “If the Thunder offered him and a big chunk of their massive pile of draft assets, the rebuilding Jazz would have to be tempted. The resulting Thunder rotation would be a nightmare for the rest of the league to defend. A starting five of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Alex Caruso, Jalen Williams, Markkanen and Chet Holmgren could play a dynamic, five-out attack and would have tons of length and athleticism on the other end.

“That group would quickly become less affordable. Markkanen’s below-market deal expires after 2024-25, and Williams and Holmgren will both be up for lucrative extensions next summer, too. But a hallmark of competing in this new CBA may be taking one- or two-year shots when you have them.”

The Thunder lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the second round of the 2024 playoffs in six games. They have a bright future with Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, Caruso and Holmgren leading the way. 

OKC could be title favorites with Markkanen in the fold. 

Markkanen has career NBA averages of 18.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.5 blocks with the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers and Jazz. He won the 2022-23 Most Improved Player of the Year Award with Utah.