RealGM

In a hypothetical scenario where the Jazz had to let one of these players leave (like in an expansion draft or a trade where the other team doesn't have a preference on which of these players they get) who would you rather keep? Lauri is an allstar player, but he's also older and this previous season could be a bit of an outlier given his history (especially considering injuries).

It's a very tough choice but I'd probably move Markkanen because:

1. He's 'older' and may not have the stomach for losing much longer
2. He's had injury issues
3. He's about to get a very big contract while Kessler will be cheaper for longer
4. He'd be a sell-high player that will yield the most return

Having said that, I'd absolutely hate to trade him and would imagine the Jazz would build around him rather than trade him. He's the better player of the two too.

Just as a side note--even in an expansion draft there is no way the Jazz wouldn't protect both Kessler and Markkanen.

Here is a big difference between "value" and "who to move". I voted according second. Lauri has quite a bit more of value given his 3p ability. But the price he will commands even more high. So, in the "only one has to stay" Walker that is.

Who do you love more, daddy or mommy.
I don't want to answer.

Who is more valuable, Lauri 5, Walker 4. Gheesh...

If you're going nuclear, you keep the guy on his 2nd year of his rookie contract. However, if you were going to go that route, it should have been done last year with Wemby in play. Doing so now would show lack of direction. I expect Utah to hold on to Lauri as long as he wants to remain in Utah. They need to find All star level players who aren't counting the minutes until they can leave, and they can't afford to trade one away based on some cookie cutter idea of how to run a team.

Extremely tough question but i say Kessler.
Lauri is allstar and his goal now is to win NBA championship rings
so let him go as a UFA or trade him to team where he can achieve his goals and win.
Lauri's had enough losing in his career for now so it is time to start win and Utah is not the team where that could be possible.