When an NBA team finds their franchise player, it changes everything. The team’s whole outlook shifts. Suddenly, they can entertain a range of options.
The San Antonio Spurs have found their guy. Victor Wembanyama was seen as a potential franchise-changing talent heading into the 2023 NBA draft. His performance as a rookie has solidified those projections. Now, the Spurs need to build around Wembanyama.
Do the Utah Jazz have a franchise player? That’s a matter of debate. Some would have suggested that Lauri Markkanen was that guy, but recently, there have been rumors that the Jazz could look to trade him.
Could they send him to the Spurs?
NBA Trade Proposal: San Antonio Spurs Land Utah Jazz’s Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz Receive: G/F Keldon Johnson, 2025 First-Round Pick (ATL via SAS), 2027 First-Round Pick (SAS), 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – SAS)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: F Lauri Markkanen
With that said, “franchise player” is a high bar. There are all-stars around the NBA who don’t make that cut. We’re talking about the very best of the best.
Look at Markkanen. Last year, he earned an All-NBA designation. In 2023-24, he still doesn’t quite look like a franchise player. After all, a franchise player would raise a team’s floor higher than the Jazz’s current performance.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz, San Antonio Spurs Updates
Yet, it’s rumored that the Jazz are seeking five first-round picks in exchange for Markkanen. That feels optimistic. It’s a return that you’d expect for a franchise player.
Could they settle for this package instead?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
If the Jazz are holding out for five firsts, they’re going to end up keeping Markkanen. That would be fine. Markkanen is young enough to stick around for the rebuild.
Still, moving him feels more prudent. If this package is available, the Jazz should accept it. Johnson is younger, and he’s flashed enough upside to be worth a pick or two in his own right.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz, San Antonio Spurs Updates
Meanwhile, Utah is still adding two unprotected firsts to its already-large collection here. This deal will help them increase their flexibility as they move into a proper rebuilding phase.
Should the Spurs help them rebuild?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
The Spurs have found their franchise player. Now, they need to find his co-star. Devin Vassell is talented, but he hasn’t done enough to be trusted as a surefire number two on a serious title contender.
Some will say that the Spurs need to seek this player through the draft. Sure, there are advantages to that route – it allows the Spurs to control the cost of their core for longer.
Still, the odds of drafting a player as good as Markkanen are low. Why not get that co-star now? Markkanen can create his own shot, and he’s a reliable floor spacer.
His size alongside Wembanyama ought to make San Antonio formidable on defense. In other words, he fits with their franchise player.
