Draft capital is the currency of the modern NBA. If you don’t have any, you’d better have a contending team. Otherwise, you’ve got no currency, and you’ve got no prospects.
The Brooklyn Nets have some currency. This team has a solid collection of draft capital. Yet, they owe control of their own first round to the Houston Rockets through to 2027.
By contrast, the Utah Jazz have an even more impressive collection of first-round picks. They also control their own draft. If this franchise wanted to tank, they could. Could they start by sending Lauri Markkenen to the Jazz?
NBA Trade Proposal
Utah Jazz Receive: F/C Ben Simmons, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN), 2029 First-Round Pick (DAL via BKN)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G Collin Sexton, F Lauri Markkanen
Draft capital represents flexibility. You can use it in several ways. If you don’t believe us, just look at the Oklahoma City Thunder.
They have the most draft capital that an NBA team has ever had. We’ve been wondering if the Thunder would consolidate that talent for a long time. So far, they may prefer to use it to bring in young, cost-controlled talent.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets Updates
That makes sense. At the same time, if the Thunder ever want to acquire a superstar, they’ll have the best offer on the market. After that, the Jazz may have the league’s best offer. Should they trade Markkanen in the meantime?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
The Jazz should avoid the mediocrity treadmill. There are two ways that they could do that. Utah could use the drat capital they already have to get Markkanen’s co-star. Alternatively, they could trade Markkanen.
After all, they’d be among the worst teams in the NBA if they moved him. In that event, they could land a top lottery pick. Part of the appeal of this deal for the Jazz is that it puts them in the running for Cooper Flagg and Cameron Boozer.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets Updates
If they landed one of those guys, they’d have the capital to trade for a co-star then. For the Jazz, this is about rebuilding from the ground up. Should the Nets take a different approach?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
The Nets don’t have the same optionality. They have plenty of picks from other teams, but they don’t have their own picks. What should they do?
Trade for a star, realistically. Markkanen would be the best offensive player on this team. His presence would also lessen Mikal Bridges’ offensive responsibilities. In the process, he may be able to return to his previously elite defensive level.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets Updates
The Nets should return to the playoffs in the process. Meanwhile, Sexton isn’t a throw-in here – he’d be a large upgrade in this team’s backcourt rotation. Brooklyn may not be a title contender after this deal, but they’ll be formidable. Given their lack of flexibility, that may have to do.
