The goal for every NBA team is to win an NBA title. Some teams are hoping to accomplish that goal in 2023-24. Other teams are looking a half decade or more into the future.
Where do the Utah Jazz stand? It’s debatable. The Jazz surely aren’t hoping to win a title this year. Still, it’s hard to know whether this organization wants to get back to contending soon, or down the road.
By contrast, the Sacramento Kings are trying to contend. You may not love their title odds, but that’s the goal for this team in 2023-24. If they fall short, could they acquire Lauri Markkanen from the Jazz this summer?
NBA Trade Proposal
Utah Jazz Receive: F Harrison Barnes, 2026 First-Round Pick (SAC), 2028 First-Round Pick (SAC), 2030 First-Round Pick (SAC)
Sacramento Kings Receive: F Lauri Markkanen
At least, we hope that’s every team’s goal. Perhaps we’re being idealistic. Every team would like to win a title, but some may have more modest ambitions.
Look at the Kings. This team traded Tyrese Haliburton for Domontas Sabonis. Arguably, they made a mistake. The Kings could have seen what they had in Haliburton and De’Aaron Fox before rushing to break up the duo. They could have worked out, or the Kings could have put a complimentary star next to the rising Haliburton.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz, Sacramento Kings Updates
At the same time, the Kings were coming off of an NBA-record 16-year playoff drought. Arguably, they had to do something. Could this deal get them into the title picture anyway?
Why The Sacramento Kings Do The Deal
Sabonis is a complicated player. He’s an outstanding scorer and playmaker, but he’s a limited defender. What types of players should the Kings put around him?
Ideally, they’ll look at floor spacers and defenders. Markkanen certainly falls into the former category. He’s not a defensive liability, either – Markkanen is roughly average on that end of the floor.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz, Sacramento Kings Updates
Meanwhile, he’s more than a floor spacer on the offensive end. Markkanen can create his own shot. He’d be joining Sabonis and Fox to form a big 3 in Sacramento. Should the Jazz help them put that trio together?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
The Jazz need to pick a direction. They’ve got a solid collection of draft capital, and some talent as well. Should they trade for Markkanen’s co-star, or trade Markkanen?
This is the route we’d take. The Jazz should tank for a couple of years. This team should put themselves in a position to land a top lottery pick in the coming years. Once they’ve done that, they can start looking for that player’s co-star.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz, Sacramento Kings Updates
This deal arms them with three new unprotected first-round picks to seek that star with. The Jazz would have arguably the best collection of draft capital in the NBA following this deal. In time, that will help them pursue the title.
