Everyone loves an NBA fire sale. It’s exciting for fans of opposing teams. It can also be exciting for fans of the team who are hosting the sale. They’re about to start stocking up for the future.
It seems like the Utah Jazz may go that route this year. They’ve had an underwhelming season. Now, we’re hearing rumors that they could make a flurry of trades before the deadline. At the right price, it seems like anyone could be available.
That includes Lauri Markkanen. Still, he’s not the only intriguing target on this team. The Jazz have got plenty of pieces that teams would acquire. Here are three deals we think they ought to consider.
Trade No. 1 – Jazz Send Kelly Olynyk To Rockets
Utah Jazz receive: G/F Victor Oladipo, 2024 Second-Round Pick (BKN via HOU), 2024 Second-Round Pick (OKC via HOU), 2025 Second-Round Pick (BKN via HOU)
Houston Rockets receive: F/C Kelly Olynyk
The Rockets won’t be hosting a fire sale this year. This team was at the bottom of the NBA’s standings for three years, and in 2023-24, they’ve been competitive. If the Rockets are busy at the deadline, they’ll be buyers.
Olynyk would be a sensible addition. The Rockets could use a backup big man. Olynyk’s ability to space the floor should complement rookie Amen Thompson, and his playmaking ability should suit a Rockets team that’s learning to move the ball.
Moreover, the Rockets are already familiar with Olynyk – he played for them recently. As for the Jazz, they should be happy to flip him for some second-rounders. At the same time, they could prefer to move a bigger target.
Trade No. 2 – Jazz Send Jordan Clarkson To Heat
Utah Jazz receive: G Kyle Lowry, 2027 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – MIA)
Miami Heat receive: G Jordan Clarkson
It feels likely that Miami would like to upgrade its guard rotation. By all accounts, they spent the whole summer trying. In the end, they wouldn’t be able to land Damian Lillard.
Clarkson isn’t exactly a consolation prize. He’s not nearly as impactful as Lillard. That’s exactly why the Heat are getting him at a much lower price. The Heat should be happy to land Clarkson for a heavily protected pick.
Yet, there’s still an elephant in this room. The Jazz need to decide Markkanen. If they’re looking for a haul at the deadline, he’s their best trade chip. Could they move him?
Trade No. 3 – Jazz Send Lauri Markkanen To Thunder
Utah Jazz receive: F Davis Bertans, 2024 First-Round Pick (UTA via OKC), 2025 First-Round Pick (Top-6 Protected – PHI via OKC), 2027 First-Round Pick (OKC)
Oklahoma City Thunder receive: F Lauri Markkanen
Here, the Thunder would be passing a torch to the Jazz. For a long time, the Thunder have controlled the draft capital market. Here, they’d be consolidating assets and putting the Jazz in that position.
By all accounts, the Jazz understand the importance of stockpiling first-round picks. It’s being reported that they’re seeking five (or equivalent value) in exchange for Markkanen. That feels optimistic. The market has adjusted since they received comparable packages for Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell.
Three picks ought to do. The fact that one of those picks belongs to the Jazz is especially useful – they can aggressively tank for the rest of the year. Often, that’s what teams do after a fire sale.
