5 best teams for Lauri Markkanen amid Utah Jazz's trade rumors
Lauri Markkanen has been incredible as the first option of the Utah Jazz since they acquired him from the Cleveland Cavaliers back on Sept. 8, 2022. However, the trade rumors circulating as of late have included Markkanen's name in the mix. While rumors are only chatter around the league, there's no denying that possibly landing the Jazz forward will be a huge deal to a team that pulls it off.
On Friday morning, ESPN's Tim MacMahon talked about the possibility of Lauri Markkanen being available to be moved under the right trade package. This is with the notion that the Utah Jazz are persuaded enough to let their star forward go.
"I've been told [Utah Jazz] will listen on anyone on the roster," MacMahon said. "With [Lauri] Markkanen, he's not untouchable but it's going to take one of your untouchables to get him."
Letting go of a star player certainly warrants suitable assets in exchange, which is the route the Utah Jazz might take in the scenario that they end up moving Markkanen. Moreover, this article will take a look at the five best-suited NBA teams for Lauri Markkanen.
5 best-suited teams that fit Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen
5) Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets have a load of players who can be a great fit in Utah. However, it depends if the Nets are willing to include Mikal Bridges in trade talks, considering that he leads the team in scoring. Additionally, they might need to also include additional players and picks in the package.
Be that as it may, landing Lauri Markkanen can be a huge move for Brooklyn and a step in the right direction for them.
4) Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors have been included in trade rumors as of late, especially in the case of Pascal Siakam. Trading the Raptors forward for another star player seems like a good move for both teams.
Markkanen might play a different way than Siakam but there's no mistaking that he can provide the same level of scoring, especially from beyond the arc.
3) Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings already have a good player at the power forward position. However, a tandem of De'Aaron Fox and Lauri Markkanen can certainly make some noise in the league. A trade scenario like that could involve moving on from Domantas Sabonis, who is having another stellar season for the Kings.
2) Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder could use another established scorer to play alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder squad comprises young and promising players who are playing elite basketball at both ends of the floor. Whether the team trades Luguentz Dort or Jalen Williams to the Jazz, Markkanen can give the team an additional offensive punch.
1) Indiana Pacers
A skilled scorer like Lauri Markkanen can help take the offensive load off of Tyrese Haliburton for the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers still lead the NBA in offensive rating due to their fast-paced scoring ability on the court. The team can become even more dangerous with a forward who can create his own shot.
Additionally, this can benefit the team as opposing defenses will have to divide their attention between Markkanen and Haliburton.