The Utah Jazz are looking to compete for the bottom of the draft in the upcoming NBA Draft and have expressed interest in trading for star forward Lauri Markkanen, who is in the final year of his contract and eligible for a maximum extension.
While it's entirely possible that the Jazz choose to sign Markkanen to a contract extension and build around him on their next franchise roster, there's also a chance he could be traded this summer to Utah's full force ahead of next season.
According to ESPN's Zach Lowe, four teams have expressed interest in a trade for Markkanen: the San Antonio Spurs, Sacramento Kings, Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors. All four teams are looking to join the championship contenders in their respective conferences to varying degrees. The Spurs may be looking to accelerate their rebuild around Victor Wembanyama and veteran point guard Chris Paul, while the Kings and Warriors are looking for additional pieces to help them rise out of the middle of the pack in the West.
As for the Heat, they have their own roster issues to sort out. Jimmy Butler is eligible for a contract extension, but it's becoming increasingly likely he'll enter the new season under an expiring contract. A trade from Miami for Markkanen would also be difficult, given the salary impact of a potential extension and Butler's uncertain future. As Lowe points out, most teams interested in Markkanen are at the cap and wouldn't be able to extend him if they acquired him. A contract extension in Utah might be needed to open up his market and provide more contract security to teams interested in a trade.
Markkanen will be a prize wherever he ends up. The 27-year-old averaged 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds on 48.0 percent shooting from the field and 39.9 percent from three-point range last season.
He's the perfect stretch big in today's NBA, a potent offensive force that could make him a championship contender on any team with the right roster.
