According to Sean Deveney of HeavySports, the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and New York Knicks are reportedly interested in trading for Jazz star Lauri Markkanen this summer.
However, oddsmakers Bovada consider the San Antonio Spurs the most likely team to land the power forward if the Jazz trade him this summer, with the Oklahoma City Thunder close behind.
According to Bovada, the odds for landing Lauri Markkanen are:
– San Antonio Spurs: +600
– Oklahoma City Thunder: +850
– Detroit Pistons: +900
– Orlando Magic: +1200
– Golden State Warriors: +1500
– Houston Rockets: +1600
Markkanen has one year left on his contract, and many teams are expected to pursue him this summer.
While the Spurs are considered the frontrunners to land Markkanen, they are not overwhelming favorites. With odds at +600, the competition remains strong, and the Oklahoma City Thunder, who could use a key player to become contenders, can also offer a compelling trade package.
Markkanen played in 55 games for the Jazz this season, averaging 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.5 blocks while shooting 48.0% from the field, 39.9% from three-point range, and 89.9% from the free-throw line. A one-time All-Star, Markkanen won the 2022-23 Most Improved Player of the Year Award.
Markkanen will earn $18 million next season. The Jazz, who finished with a 31-51 record this season, can sign him to an extension this offseason.
The 27-year-old Markkanen has career averages of 18.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.5 blocks with the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Jazz. He’s regarded as one of the best players in the NBA.
If the Spurs do pursue the Finnish sharpshooter, they might also seek an experienced veteran point guard to facilitate ball movement. Although they may not target high-priced players like Trae Young or Darius Garland, Tyus Jones, a free agent, could be a good fit in San Antonio.