In any market, parties have the same interests. They want to sell high, and they want to buy low. The NBA is no exception. Still, as in any market, accomplishing those goals is easier said than done.
After all, selling high on a player is never easy. If the player’s value is high, that means that he’s playing well. So, a team may not want to trade him. On the other hand, it may be what’s best for the organization. Would trading Lauri Markkanen be what’s best for the Utah Jazz?
It’s hard to say. The Jazz are in a unique position. This team has solid talent, but they’re far from title contention. Markkanen is young, but he’s fully developed. This team could justify going in a number of directions. Could they justify trading him to the New York Knicks?
The Trade Proposal
Utah Jazz Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, 2026 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2028 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2030 First-Round Pick (NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: F Lauri Markkanen
If you’re a Jazz fan, you may dispute that your team is selling high here. You’re spoiled. You’re thinking about the Rudy Gobert trade. The Jazz were able to net four unprotected first-round picks for Rudy Gobert. How is this a high return for Markkanen?
Well, congratulations: your team broke the trade market. Look at the big trades we’ve seen this summer. None of them rival the Gobert deal. The Minnesota Timberwolves look like they made a major mistake in sending out so much draft capital for Gobert. In all likelihood, that’s a mistake that other teams are going to attempt to avoid.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz & New York Knicks Updates
That’s one theory as to why the market is adjusting. The other is that most buyers have already moved their draft capital. Either way, the Jazz aren’t likely to land four unprotected first-rounders for Markkanen. Should they settle for three?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
The Jazz should be asking themselves some questions. Do they think Markkanen can be the best player on a serious contender? If the answer is no, how are they going to acquire such a player? In all likelihood, they’ll need draft capital, right?
So, they’re landing three unprotected first-rounders here. After making this deal, they’ll have a package of draft capital that’s only rivaled by the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Jazz would be the first team in the league to compete with the Thunder in that market in years. That all sounds appealing, but of course, there’s a downside – they’re losing Markkanen.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz & New York Knicks Updates
It’s worth it. The Jazz could tank for a couple of seasons, land their new franchise player, and instantly trade for his co-star. Parting with Markkanen may not be easy, but it could benefit the organization in the long run. Should the Knicks trade for him?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
This isn’t necessarily the obvious route for the Knicks, either. Markkanen is a 4. Their best player is a 4. Aren’t Markkanen and Julius Randle at odds? SHouldn’t the Knicks be building on their success from last season?
Perhaps. On the other hand, we’ve seen Markkanen at the 3. He’s not exactly quick-footed on the perimeter, but he’s got good instincts and long arms to help offset that limitation. The Knicks could pair the two forwards. On the other hand, that might not be the idea at all.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz & New York Knicks Updates
This could be the excuse to finally trade Randle. Either way, this is a talent grab for the Knicks. They’re landing a star-caliber player without draining their current roster of any meaningful talent. Sure, they’re buying high. Sometimes, you’ve simply got to pay that cost.
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