The San Antonio Spurs have long been linked to some of the biggest names in the sport, and recent rumors point to a path for them to land an All-Star on the trade market.
The San Antonio Spurs have the means to be a major player before the 2026 NBA trade deadline, and have been linked to instant-impact players like Trey Murphy III and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Both of those players, especially Antetokounmpo, would require the Spurs to give up a vast haul of draft picks and have to make a tough decision regarding their young core. At this point, there is virtually no incentive for the Spurs to break up their core of Victor Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, and Stephon Castle, who will only improve as they get more playing time together.
In recent reports, the Spurs have been linked to a familiar trade candidate, although they might be able to formulate a more agreeable deal.
"Rival NBA executives have linked the San Antonio Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies, and Detroit Pistons as potential suitors for Markkanen in the past," listed league insider Michael Scotto. "Those executives cited Markkanen as an ideal floor spacer next to Victor Wembanyama and young enough at 28 to fit San Antonio’s surrounding young core."
Scotto went on to say that the Jazz are expected to "maximize" cap space this summer. Of course, they would likely love to get their hands on either Stephon Castle or Dylan Harper, but if those youngsters are untouchable in a trade for the Greek Freak, Markkanen certainly isn't worth breaking up the young core.
Full Mock Trade Details
- San Antonio Spurs receive: Lauri Markkanen
- Utah Jazz receive: Jeremy Sochan, Harrison Barnes, Kelly Olynyk, 2026 first-round pick swap (via ATL, top-five protected), 2027 first-round pick (via ATL, top-five protected), 2030 pick swap (most favorable of DAL, SAS, MIN)
Sochan has not played meaningful minutes in any of the Spurs' last five games. Additionally, he, Barnes, and Olynyk will all be free agents at the end of this season, giving the Jazz ultimate financial freedom next summer.
Three protected picks/swaps might not be enough to move the needle. The Spurs could add more draft capital if needed. Markkanen's biggest fault is his massive contract, which the Spurs would struggle to absorb. By the time Castle is eligible for an extension, however, Markkanen would be off the books.
Losing Barnes' steady veteran presence would hurt, but the wound would be nursed by the addition of a effecient 27-points-per-game scorer who can rebound very well.
Of course, Markkanen's averages are inflated by playing on a bad Jazz team, although he would quickly become the best third option in the NBA behind Wembanyama and Fox.
The only major concern would be the Spurs' long-term outlook, as they couldn't retain Harper, Fox, Castle, and Markkanen in subsequent free agencies, although it would give the team a massive boost until the two young guards hit their primes.