Some NBA teams have a way of flying under the radar. Often, these are small market teams. Unless they’re clear contenders, we can overlook teams in smaller markets. Sometimes, they make us pay for it.
Just look at the Indiana Pacers. Nobody expected this team to have the best offense in the NBA in 2023-24. Yet, that’s exactly what they have.
Stopping the Pacers from scoring is nearly impossible. This team looks poised to make some noise throughout the NBA season. We can’t say the same for the Utah Jazz.
This team flew under the radar, yet somehow, they’ve fallen short of even modest expectations. Perhaps that’s why some are suggesting that they could trade Lauri Markkanen.
Could they send him to the Pacers?
NBA Trade Proposal: Indiana Pacers Land Utah Jazz’s Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz Receive: G T.J. McConnell, G/F Bennedict Mathurin, F Jordan Nwora, 2025 First-Round Pick (IND), 2027 First-Round Pick (IND)
Indiana Pacers Receive: F Lauri Markkanen
With that said, both of these teams have drawn some attention in recent years. That’s inevitable for any NBA team. The Jazz and the Pacers have made significant trades in recent years that shook up the NBA.
In the case of the Pacers, we’re talking about the acquisition of Tyrese Haliburton. This was a meaningful trade. By sending Domantas Sabonis to the Sacramento Kings, the Pacers created a playoff fixture in the Western Conference.
On the other hand, they acquired a future superstar in Haliburton. Last summer, the Jazz made two deals of at least equal significance.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers Updates
Some have suggested that the return they received for Rudy Gobert broke the league’s trade market. Should they accept two fewer first-round picks for Markkanen?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
That’s a reductive way to look at this. For starters, the market has adjusted. Teams arent sending out four unprotected firsts for anyone short of a franchise player at the moment.
Moreover, the Jazz aren’t only getting draft capital here. They’re also getting Bennedict Mathurin. He’s a flawed player – Mathurin is prone to bouts of inefficiency.
He doesn’t offer much outside of scoring. With that said, he has flashed star potential during his time with the Pacers so far. If the Jazz are rebuilding, he’s a valuable asset.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers Updates
On that note: the Jazz should be rebuilding. This team is well under .500. They already have an impressive collection of draft capital. With Mathurin and a pair of firsts, they’ll be well-prepared for the future.
Should the Pacers help them make preparations?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
This isn’t the obvious move for the Pacers to make. They have the best offense in the NBA – and a poor defense. With that in mind, some will suggest that they ought to be pursuing a defensive specialist.
Sure. Here’s another suggestion: lean into offense. The Pacers could be unstoppable after adding Markkanen. He’s a forward who can create his shot while also spacing the floor.
This could be the piece that the Pacers are missing to get to legitimate title contention. Besides, it’s not as if Markkanen is a defensive liability. He’s roughly average.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers Updates
His combined length with Myles Turner could even help the Pacers improve on that end of the floor. If they acquire him, they won’t be able to fly under the radar anymore.
