The Utah Jazz’s forward Lauri Markkanen might get traded to the New York Knicks this offseason. No team wants to part ways with a player who has been doing well for them. But that is also the time when the player brings the best returns. Utah Jazz are in a similar confusion at the moment. They have a quality player who has been doing great for them, but they are far from contending for a title. Should they swap him for assets?
The Arizona Wildcats product Lauri played 66 games for the Jazz last season and averaged 25.6 points, 1.9 assists, and 8.6 rebounds per game while shooting 39.1 percent from beyond the arc. The 26-year-old has impressive stats and there are a few teams interested in landing him. Can the Knicks do enough to add him to their roster? Here is all the information you need about the trade between the Utah Jazz and the New York Knicks involving Lauri Markkanen.
What would the Knicks offer for Lauri Markkanen?
The Knicks are expected to offer Evan Fournier and a first-round pick each from the years 2026,2028 and 2029 in exchange for the Jazz’s #23. The Jazz probably made an error when they traded Rudy Gobert for four first-round picks, now other teams have learned from the Timberwolves and they are not going to spend a lot of draft picks.
The 2022-23 Kia NBA Most Improved Player is… Lauri Markkanen!#KiaMIP#NBAAwards@Kia pic.twitter.com/d41McU0Ras
— NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2023
Why would the Jazz trade off Lauri Markkanen?
The Jazz are getting a high return value here even when it is less in comparison to what they got for Gobert. But are they ready to give up on a great player only because they are not contending? Can’t they acquire somebody else to support the Finnish international? The Jazz would have a lot of draft capital after this trade.
Lauri Markkanen 2021-22: 14.8 PPG
Lauri Markkanen 2022-23: 24.9 PPGWhat a breakout season it has been for the first-time NBA All-Star! pic.twitter.com/mFSeHXGVUh
— #NBAAllStar (@NBAAllStar) February 19, 2023
Why would the Knicks like to sign Lauri Markkanen?
The Knicks have a talented squad already, and they are adding another brilliant player to that mix. They can use Julius Randle in some other way, or they can also trade him off. But are they willing to give up on the draft capital?
How would the Knicks line up next season? Will the Jazz build from scratch again? We’ll keep you updated.
