2024 Trade Rumors

[BigJimFinn]

I saw this in the past week and I have to ask Joe Lacob (GSW owner) the following. Are the Jazz supposed to just bend over and take whatever GSW offers for Lauri Markkanen so they can have a couple more great years with Steph??? Are the smaller market teams supposed to be the minor league for big market teams (IMO, they are already treated that way in some cases) If the Jazz trade Lauri Markkanen for 2-3 future picks and an average player from GSW, the future draft picks from GSW will most likely be in the 15-25 range, at least for the next 2-3 years. Personally, I am more interested in a potential deal with San Antonio and the picks they have (Atlanta / Chicago). I think Danny Ainge is probably annoying to deal with but he is supposed to get the best possible return for the Jazz.

https://sports.yahoo.com/lacob-states-illogical-parties-nba-030800270.html#:~:text=%22%5BIt's%5D%20very%2C%20very,%2C%20sometimes%20they%20don't.

I kind of doubt Lacob follows this specific forum, so you might not get his answer. I took that interview for him echoing Draymond moaning about Clippers not co-operating with the Paul George S&T to Warriors. It's absolutely pathetic from both to whine about them not wanting to take on bad salary in order to help a direct division rival. This is supposed to at least look like a competitive sport, and I like that Ainge is serious (if not always very strategic) about getting the best return and using leverage.

I agree with you that Spurs could be the ideal trade partner for Jazz, while personally I would sacrifice a finger or 2 to see Lauri in San Antonio for the next 5 years.

[Gert42]

My guess is that Lacob is probably frustrated because of what Danny's asks are, but he's also desparate not to squander seasons of Steph past age 36 years.

I think more than anything else that's why they aren't good trade partners.

[dr0welf]

I don't think the Jazz want to trade Markkanen. But most everything is can be bought for the right price. I'm guessing if GSW's really want Markkanen then they will have to make it to where the Jazz (who don't really want to trade him) can't say no. Therefore a higher cost. If we didn't fully tank for Wemby, I really doubt we go full tank mode for Cooper. I'm guessing another 8-10th worst team finish. I would prefer the Jazz fully tank or grab some other players and try to make a go of it while training the young group we have.

[Jammer]

Question, that I don't know the Answer to:

Portland wants two 1rst Round Picks for Jerami Grant:

Age 30
Height 6' 7"

2024 Stats (54 Games, 33.9 mpg)
40.2 3 Pt. %
47.3 2 Pt. %
81.7 FT%
21 PPG on 15.7 Shots Per Game (1.33 Points Per Shot, NBA Champions Typically Average 1.3 PPS as a Team)
3.5 Rebounds
2.8 Assists
2.1 Turnovers
2 Fouls
0.8 Steals
0.6 Blocks

Would it pay for Utah to trade for Grant ($29.7M in '25, $32M in '26, $34.2M in '27, Player Option for $36.4M in "28)

by giving up John Collins ($26.58M in '25, Player Option for same in '26) + Minnesota's 2025 1rst + Cleveland's 2025 1rst ???

Not advocating. Just thought of this and wondering if it makes sense for Utah?? It is upgrade over Collins defensively.

[babyjax13]

Question, that I don't know the Answer to:

Portland wants two 1rst Round Picks for Jerami Grant:

Age 30
Height 6' 7"

2024 Stats (54 Games, 33.9 mpg)
40.2 3 Pt. %
47.3 2 Pt. %
81.7 FT%
21 PPG on 15.7 Shots Per Game (1.33 Points Per Shot, NBA Champions Typically Average 1.3 PPS as a Team)
3.5 Rebounds
2.8 Assists
2.1 Turnovers
2 Fouls
0.8 Steals
0.6 Blocks

Would it pay for Utah to trade for Grant ($29.7M in '25, $32M in '26, $34.2M in '27, Player Option for $36.4M in "28)

by giving up John Collins ($26.58M in '25, Player Option for same in '26) + Minnesota's 2025 1rst + Cleveland's 2025 1rst ???

Not advocating. Just thought of this and wondering if it makes sense for Utah?? It is upgrade over Collins defensively.

A tanking team isn't trading picks for a redundant player, so no, not in my estimation. I think we are stuck with Collins till he expires.

[Inigo Montoya]

I'd rather have 26-year old Collins' much shorter and lower contract than 30-year old Grant. And no way I'd add picks for the exchange. With how huge salaries are these days, Collins' contract isn't even that bad anymore (it's not good, don't get me wrong) and it's not like his contract is preventing the Jazz from doing anything. They'd struggle to reach the salary floor even after re-negotiating Markkanen's contract. The only major negative with Collins is that he takes up minutes from guys like Kessler, Hendricks and Flip.

[Jammer]

Question, that I don't know the Answer to:

Portland wants two 1rst Round Picks for Jerami Grant:

Age 30
Height 6' 7"

2024 Stats (54 Games, 33.9 mpg)
40.2 3 Pt. %
47.3 2 Pt. %
81.7 FT%
21 PPG on 15.7 Shots Per Game (1.33 Points Per Shot, NBA Champions Typically Average 1.3 PPS as a Team)
3.5 Rebounds
2.8 Assists
2.1 Turnovers
2 Fouls
0.8 Steals
0.6 Blocks

Would it pay for Utah to trade for Grant ($29.7M in '25, $32M in '26, $34.2M in '27, Player Option for $36.4M in "28)

by giving up John Collins ($26.58M in '25, Player Option for same in '26) + Minnesota's 2025 1rst + Cleveland's 2025 1rst ???

Not advocating. Just thought of this and wondering if it makes sense for Utah?? It is upgrade over Collins defensively.

A tanking team isn't trading picks for a redundant player, so no, not in my estimation. I think we are stuck with Collins till he expires.

You are correct that Grant is Redundant as Utah is presently constructed. But Say, in a hypothetical scenario, on Wednesday Utah
Traded Lauri Markkanen to Golden State for:

Andrew Wiggins
2026 Golden State 1rst Round Pick, 2026 Atlanta 2nd Round Pick
2028 Golden State 1rst Round Pick, 2028 Atlanta 2nd Round Pick
2031 1rst Round Pick Swap Option with Golden State

That's my guess as the max that Golden State would offer for Markkanen. Whether it's sufficient is one matter? But, if a trade went down with that construction, would the Collins for Grant swap suddenly have more meaning? Of course, the Golden State trade would basically be contingent on Utah believing they can salvage Wiggins, somewhat, the same way they resurrected Markkanen and Collin Sexton's careers. I play around with scenarios without knowing what front offices are really thinking.

[MalonesElbows]

Question, that I don't know the Answer to:

Portland wants two 1rst Round Picks for Jerami Grant:

Age 30
Height 6' 7"

2024 Stats (54 Games, 33.9 mpg)
40.2 3 Pt. %
47.3 2 Pt. %
81.7 FT%
21 PPG on 15.7 Shots Per Game (1.33 Points Per Shot, NBA Champions Typically Average 1.3 PPS as a Team)
3.5 Rebounds
2.8 Assists
2.1 Turnovers
2 Fouls
0.8 Steals
0.6 Blocks

Would it pay for Utah to trade for Grant ($29.7M in '25, $32M in '26, $34.2M in '27, Player Option for $36.4M in "28)

by giving up John Collins ($26.58M in '25, Player Option for same in '26) + Minnesota's 2025 1rst + Cleveland's 2025 1rst ???

Not advocating. Just thought of this and wondering if it makes sense for Utah?? It is upgrade over Collins defensively.

A tanking team isn't trading picks for a redundant player, so no, not in my estimation. I think we are stuck with Collins till he expires.

You are correct that Grant is Redundant as Utah is presently constructed. But Say, in a hypothetical scenario, on Wednesday Utah
Traded Lauri Markkanen to Golden State for:

Andrew Wiggins
2026 Golden State 1rst Round Pick, 2026 Atlanta 2nd Round Pick
2028 Golden State 1rst Round Pick, 2028 Atlanta 2nd Round Pick
2031 1rst Round Pick Swap Option with Golden State

That's my guess as the max that Golden State would offer for Markkanen. Whether it's sufficient is one matter? But, if a trade went down with that construction, would the Collins for Grant swap suddenly have more meaning? Of course, the Golden State trade would basically be contingent on Utah believing they can salvage Wiggins, somewhat, the same way they resurrected Markkanen and Collin Sexton's careers. I play around with scenarios without knowing what front offices are really thinking.

This is a non starter for Ainge, you know this at some level but posted anyways. With the flattened lottery odds, the Jazz don't have to worry about being out of the Flagg sweepstakes if they finish 5-6th worst doing a Lauri + tank.

[HadAnEffectHere]

I'd rather have 26-year old Collins' much shorter and lower contract than 30-year old Grant. And no way I'd add picks for the exchange. With how huge salaries are these days, Collins' contract isn't even that bad anymore (it's not good, don't get me wrong) and it's not like his contract is preventing the Jazz from doing anything. They'd struggle to reach the salary floor even after re-negotiating Markkanen's contract. The only major negative with Collins is that he takes up minutes from guys like Kessler, Hendricks and Flip.

Collins makes 3x as Jalen Smith while being basically as good as Jalen Smith.

Backup center is the least valuable position in the NBA and Collins is making quality starter money when his role should be 16 MPG backup center.

[Inigo Montoya]

I'd rather have 26-year old Collins' much shorter and lower contract than 30-year old Grant. And no way I'd add picks for the exchange. With how huge salaries are these days, Collins' contract isn't even that bad anymore (it's not good, don't get me wrong) and it's not like his contract is preventing the Jazz from doing anything. They'd struggle to reach the salary floor even after re-negotiating Markkanen's contract. The only major negative with Collins is that he takes up minutes from guys like Kessler, Hendricks and Flip.

Collins makes 3x as Jalen Smith while being basically as good as Jalen Smith.

Backup center is the least valuable position in the NBA and Collins is making quality starter money when his role should be 16 MPG backup center.

Not disagreeing but:

1. His contract expires in 2025-26, while Grant's expires in 2027-28. - Advantage: Collins
2. Collins makes $26.5M per season, Grant's contract escalates from $29M to $36M. - Advantage: Collins
3. Collins is 26 (soon to be 27) and expires in two seasons, Grant is 30 and expires in 4 seasons. - Advantage: Collins

Of the two players, I'd rather have Collins for those reasons alone. Add to that that Portland also seeks compensation in draft picks for this exchange, and it's a hell no.

[HadAnEffectHere]

I think the Jazz would like to trade basically every player on the roster. The issues are:

1. Jordan Clarkson and John Collins are untradeable. John Collins is a backup center who makes $26m a year, Jordan Clarkson was horrific last year.

2. Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler are viewed less positively around the league than their numbers say they should be, I think both guys will have much higher trade value at the deadline and will be traded at the deadline.

3. Lauri's trade value is massively diminished from last year's trade deadline due to him being an expiring contract with an expected max coming up so Ainge won't be able to trade him easily at all for good value. I think he gets traded summer 2025 to the Spurs for much less than he would have gotten deadline 2024. I think Ainge is going to feel significant heat for not trading Markkanen at the 2024 deadline and may exhaust all win now options before trading Markkanen though.

I expect no trades pre-season and I expect Sexton, Kessler, and any of Sensabaugh/Hendricks/George who have just so-so seasons to be moved at the deadline.

[Inigo Montoya]

Markannen's value might actually go up once he re-signs and is locked in long-term rather than being an expiring contract, while also being on a declining deal.

[HadAnEffectHere]

Markannen's value might actually go up once he re-signs and is locked in long-term rather than being an expiring contract, while also being on a declining deal.

Don't think Markkanen will take a declining deal after being aggressively lied to by Ainge for the last 12 months while Ainge has tried and failed to trade him for the last month!

Markkanen's value was at its peak deadline 2024 (when he had two years left on a ridiculous deal) and now will be badly diminished. He will have a bit more value than Pascal Siakam, but the general range of the Siakam return (two whatever picks and one worthless pick) should be viewed as a comparable baseline. Maybe the Jazz can get one good pick or three whatever picks for Markkanen in 2025.

Ainge just really completely **** this chasing the bizarre delusion that Paul George would sign here if they got Mikal Bridges (do George and Bridges even have any relationship?)

[Inigo Montoya]

Markannen's value might actually go up once he re-signs and is locked in long-term rather than being an expiring contract, while also being on a declining deal.

Don't think Markkanen will take a declining deal after being aggressively lied to by Ainge for the last 12 months while Ainge has tried and failed to trade him for the last month!

Markkanen's value was at its peak deadline 2024 (when he had two years left on a ridiculous deal) and now will be badly diminished. He will have a bit more value than Pascal Siakam, but the general range of the Siakam return (two whatever picks and one worthless pick) should be viewed as a comparable baseline. Maybe the Jazz can get one good pick or three whatever picks for Markkanen in 2025.

Ainge just really completely **** this chasing the bizarre delusion that Paul George would sign here if they got Mikal Bridges (do George and Bridges even have any relationship?)

If I understand the situation correctly, if the Jazz use their cap space to give Markkanen $40M in this coming season then it means that the contract is declining since he's not going to average $40M per season.

As for Siakam, he was expiring so naturally his value wasn't at his highest (and he was also older). With Markkanen it's a different situation.

[HadAnEffectHere]

Markannen's value might actually go up once he re-signs and is locked in long-term rather than being an expiring contract, while also being on a declining deal.

Don't think Markkanen will take a declining deal after being aggressively lied to by Ainge for the last 12 months while Ainge has tried and failed to trade him for the last month!

Markkanen's value was at its peak deadline 2024 (when he had two years left on a ridiculous deal) and now will be badly diminished. He will have a bit more value than Pascal Siakam, but the general range of the Siakam return (two whatever picks and one worthless pick) should be viewed as a comparable baseline. Maybe the Jazz can get one good pick or three whatever picks for Markkanen in 2025.

Ainge just really completely **** this chasing the bizarre delusion that Paul George would sign here if they got Mikal Bridges (do George and Bridges even have any relationship?)

If I understand the situation correctly, if the Jazz use their cap space to give Markkanen $40M in this coming season then it means that the contract is declining since he's not going to average $40M per season.

As for Siakam, he was expiring so naturally his value wasn't at his highest (and he was also older). With Markkanen it's a different situation.

You are absolutely not understanding the situation correctly. Markkanen is near guaranteed to get a max if he walks next offseason (4 years, $207m) and the RE+E is to get Markkanen's current year salary to the point where the Jazz can offer the max (as you cannot offer veterans more than 1.4x more than the salary in the last year of their deal as an extension).

There was discussion that Markkanen could take a slight discount (like 4 years, $190m) in exchange for the security and for the extra money right away, but this discount would be extremely small and he would still make very close to max money (like $46m a year instead of $51m) and it seems unlikely to happen given how Ainge has jerked Markkanen around. The Jazz's pure terror at having guys on expiring contracts and losing them for nothing means Markkanen has huge leverage here to extract basically everything.

[Inigo Montoya]

I guess we'll see in a few days.

[babyjax13]

Question, that I don't know the Answer to:

Portland wants two 1rst Round Picks for Jerami Grant:

Age 30
Height 6' 7"

2024 Stats (54 Games, 33.9 mpg)
40.2 3 Pt. %
47.3 2 Pt. %
81.7 FT%
21 PPG on 15.7 Shots Per Game (1.33 Points Per Shot, NBA Champions Typically Average 1.3 PPS as a Team)
3.5 Rebounds
2.8 Assists
2.1 Turnovers
2 Fouls
0.8 Steals
0.6 Blocks

Would it pay for Utah to trade for Grant ($29.7M in '25, $32M in '26, $34.2M in '27, Player Option for $36.4M in "28)

by giving up John Collins ($26.58M in '25, Player Option for same in '26) + Minnesota's 2025 1rst + Cleveland's 2025 1rst ???

Not advocating. Just thought of this and wondering if it makes sense for Utah?? It is upgrade over Collins defensively.

A tanking team isn't trading picks for a redundant player, so no, not in my estimation. I think we are stuck with Collins till he expires.

You are correct that Grant is Redundant as Utah is presently constructed. But Say, in a hypothetical scenario, on Wednesday Utah
Traded Lauri Markkanen to Golden State for:

Andrew Wiggins
2026 Golden State 1rst Round Pick, 2026 Atlanta 2nd Round Pick
2028 Golden State 1rst Round Pick, 2028 Atlanta 2nd Round Pick
2031 1rst Round Pick Swap Option with Golden State

That's my guess as the max that Golden State would offer for Markkanen. Whether it's sufficient is one matter? But, if a trade went down with that construction, would the Collins for Grant swap suddenly have more meaning? Of course, the Golden State trade would basically be contingent on Utah believing they can salvage Wiggins, somewhat, the same way they resurrected Markkanen and Collin Sexton's careers. I play around with scenarios without knowing what front offices are really thinking.

Then it would make even less sense.

[Gert42]

One of the most frustrating comps I have seen in this whole process (not necessarily on this board), is the Lauri value comp to Siakam.

Besides the fact the PS is 3 years older, I don't think the Raptors wanted to resign him at all, whereas I think the Jazz will trade Lauri for the right haul, but would also be happy to have him in their long term plans.

As far as a Grant trade, I think that would move the Jazz from 14th in the West to 12th at best.

[HadAnEffectHere]

One of the most frustrating comps I have seen in this whole process (not necessarily on this board), is the Lauri value comp to Siakam.

Besides the fact the PS is 3 years older, I don't think the Raptors wanted to resign him at all, whereas I think the Jazz will trade Lauri for the right haul, but would also be happy to have him in their long term plans.

As far as a Grant trade, I think that would move the Jazz from 14th in the West to 12th at best.

I do not think the Jazz want to keep Markkanen as there's zero path to contend with him unless they pull off the double miracle of:

1. Beat the lottery odds and get an elite prospect
2. Near immediately cash-in that prospect for a high level star.

Or unless Sexton or Markkanen become a top 10 player in the NBA.

The Raptors really wanted to keep Siakam for a very long time (he was the second best player on their only title team!) until it became clear that they had no path to contention with him.

I think the Jazz would get more than Siakam simply because Markkanen's max contract will cover all four prime years he will have left (whereas the last two years of Siakam's contract have a chance to be very bad), but it's not very hard to beat Siakam's deal.

If the Jazz trade Markkanen next year, I expect it to be the Spurs for a bunch of expirings, like the 8th pick, and a bunch of seconds.

I have to wonder what the Jazz do if they just can't get much for Markkanen moving forward. Not sure Ainge has the humility to accept an offer WAY lower than what he could have gotten at the 2024 deadline.

[AingesBurner]

Don't think Markkanen will take a declining deal after being aggressively lied to by Ainge for the last 12 months while Ainge has tried and failed to trade him for the last month!

Markkanen's value was at its peak deadline 2024 (when he had two years left on a ridiculous deal) and now will be badly diminished. He will have a bit more value than Pascal Siakam, but the general range of the Siakam return (two whatever picks and one worthless pick) should be viewed as a comparable baseline. Maybe the Jazz can get one good pick or three whatever picks for Markkanen in 2025.

Ainge just really completely **** this chasing the bizarre delusion that Paul George would sign here if they got Mikal Bridges (do George and Bridges even have any relationship?)

If I understand the situation correctly, if the Jazz use their cap space to give Markkanen $40M in this coming season then it means that the contract is declining since he's not going to average $40M per season.

As for Siakam, he was expiring so naturally his value wasn't at his highest (and he was also older). With Markkanen it's a different situation.

You are absolutely not understanding the situation correctly. Markkanen is near guaranteed to get a max if he walks next offseason (4 years, $207m) and the RE+E is to get Markkanen's current year salary to the point where the Jazz can offer the max (as you cannot offer veterans more than 1.4x more than the salary in the last year of their deal as an extension).

There was discussion that Markkanen could take a slight discount (like 4 years, $190m) in exchange for the security and for the extra money right away, but this discount would be extremely small and he would still make very close to max money (like $46m a year instead of $51m) and it seems unlikely to happen given how Ainge has jerked Markkanen around. The Jazz's pure terror at having guys on expiring contracts and losing them for nothing means Markkanen has huge leverage here to extract basically everything.

I think your arrogance is annoying… You listen too much to Spence “Dooey” Checketts.