Houston trades for Lauri

[K_chile22]

If Utah decides they're better off selling on Lauri

Houston sends: Jabari Smith, 8th pick, 2025 swap option for middle of Utah's three picks (likely from CLE to BKN), Jalen Green, Tate, Landale

Utah sends: Lauri, Sexton

Houston gets two good shooters to surround Sengun, including an elite movement guy to take some defense attention from Sengun, Utah goes rebuild with a top ten pick, possible swap into another and a blue chip prospect... Also Jalen Green


Maybe Utah fans will hate this but value on a lot of these pieces is kind of difficult for me

[HadAnEffectHere]

Yeah, this probably works for the Jazz. I would personally prefer swapping Jabari Smith for Whitmore here, but the Jazz org hated Whitmore for some reason so they would not.

[bkohler]

I’m an Utah fan and I think this is too much for Lauri. Granted that might be what it takes to get him.

[K_chile22]

I’m an Utah fan and I think this is too much for Lauri. Granted that might be what it takes to get him.

I sometimes overcompensate to try not to be biased towards my team so appreciate that feedback. Would minus the swap or minus 8 be closer? Or maybe just make the swap have to be with Utah's own pick so it only really comes into play if BKN wins the lotto

[jayjaysee]

That’s a great haul for Utah IMO.

Don’t think Lauri is enough to justify giving up Smith, a lottery pick, and a second probable lottery pick. Would just pay more picks to keep Smith out of it.

[K_chile22]

That’s a great haul for Utah IMO.

Don’t think Lauri is enough to justify giving up Smith, a lottery pick, and a second probable lottery pick. Would just pay more picks to keep Smith out of it.

Decided to go with Bari because I'm not sure there's a long term fit between he and Markkannen, so better to keep the pick equity down the road for a potential second move. I also think Tari is a fantastic fit with Lauri and Sengun but there's concern about him coming back from surgery that may give the rockets pause that I don't have here with giving what would be Bari's new minutes to him instead

[jayjaysee]

That’s a great haul for Utah IMO.

Don’t think Lauri is enough to justify giving up Smith, a lottery pick, and a second probable lottery pick. Would just pay more picks to keep Smith out of it.

Decided to go with Bari because I'm not sure there's a long term fit between he and Markkannen, so better to keep the pick equity down the road for a potential second move. I also think Tari is a fantastic fit with Lauri and Sengun but there's concern about him coming back from surgery that may give the rockets pause that I don't have here with giving what would be Bari's new minutes to him instead

Yeah, I agree with the questionable fit but you let Bari develop another season and maybe you have a star. Or maybe he alone is worth a star... Or he doesn’t develop and you add more assets to him at that point..

The pick capital is less valuable than his potential IMO. And Lauri being an expiring, would make me want to hold on to Smith til Lauri is locked up.

[bkohler]

I’m an Utah fan and I think this is too much for Lauri. Granted that might be what it takes to get him.

I sometimes overcompensate to try not to be biased towards my team so appreciate that feedback. Would minus the swap or minus 8 be closer? Or maybe just make the swap have to be with Utah's own pick so it only really comes into play if BKN wins the lotto

I think it depends on Sextons value in this trade. If he’s viewed as a throw in than it’s probably easier to remove him and green and have it be Jabari and 8 for Lauri.

[RookieJazz]

So, if you are talking about an expiring Lauri that will hit the free agency in 2025, I think the value is right.
But, if you are talking about an extended Lauri with less than max (which is the most probable scenario), then you need to add 2 more FRP. I would say the price is Mikal Bridges price. BRKN picks + Jalen Green. Then you add a first for Sexton alone.
Anyway, I think BRKN, SAS and OKC can put a better package together.

[K_chile22]

So, if you are talking about an expiring Lauri that will hit the free agency in 2025, I think the value is right.
But, if you are talking about an extended Lauri with less than max (which is the most probable scenario), then you need to add 2 more FRP. I would say the price is Mikal Bridges price. BRKN picks + Jalen Green. Then you add a first for Sexton alone.
Anyway, I think BRKN, SAS and OKC can put a better package together.

I think Bari+ 2 of the picks is better than that "Bridges price" (which I wouldn't pay for bridges) and also don't see any way Markkannen takes less than the max on an extension, if he does then he needs a new agent

[K_chile22]

I’m an Utah fan and I think this is too much for Lauri. Granted that might be what it takes to get him.

I sometimes overcompensate to try not to be biased towards my team so appreciate that feedback. Would minus the swap or minus 8 be closer? Or maybe just make the swap have to be with Utah's own pick so it only really comes into play if BKN wins the lotto

I think it depends on Sextons value in this trade. If he’s viewed as a throw in than it’s probably easier to remove him and green and have it be Jabari and 8 for Lauri.

I want sexton but the team may be happy with Bari+8 for Lauri instead and try to get the best MLE two guard they can and hope Jalen remembers how to shoot ok I suppose

[RookieJazz]

Jabari + 8th pick for Lauri will never happen. Other teams can easily outbid that.

[bkohler]

I actually think the Jabari + 8 is a very strong offer, and honestly one of the more realistic trades I’ve seen. Houston obviously wants to compete, I think Utah wants to be near the top of the 2025 draft so it makes sense for both teams.

[RookieJazz]

So there is the rumor that he expects to accept a less than max with a no-trade clause. Let's see.

[bkohler]

Jabari + 8th pick for Lauri will never happen. Other teams can easily outbid that.

I suppose it’s the old ‘bird in the hand is worth two in the bush’ deal. This would bring two blue chip prospects with Jabari and #8, while say a four firsts trade from the heat would probably bring in 4 late frps. What is better?

[pipfan]

I really think SA should make a big offer, and make Sochan the 3rd big. They could trade their pick (#4) let's say plus other future picks, and still have the #7-9 Tor pick probably to play with (PG)

[Wolveswin]

If Rockets are making this big of an offer, seems like back to Bridges offers. Arguably Bridges fits better, more contract control, and best part - don’t have to play the ‘overpay Ainge game.’

[eminence]

Jabari + 8 is a fine value core, but I’d decline. No value given to Green.

Sexton feels too toss in. Wouldn’t be looking to include him.

[daoneandonly]

Do u like the defensive fit of Lauri and Segun? Id be a bit cautious of pairing those guys as the frontcourt

[Xman]

First, Markky's highest value for a deal was at trade deadline. Now, he is an "expiring" so people will be wary. Plus, which team want to pay him the max? Or, risk losing him? So, I think Ainge thinks he will keep him.

But, anyway . . .
So - Markky is mainly playing the three spot now - correct?
I know he is tall - but playing SF.

Houston has a tall pf in Jabari and a not as tall center in Sengun. Markky could play with them.
PG (Vleet or Amen)/Brooks/Markky/Jabari/Sengun - corresponds to (6' or 6'7, 6'6, 7', 6'11, 6'11) so Brooks would be shortest when Amen is in - that would be strong defense.
Bench if not dealt: JGreen, Eason, Whitmore, Adams, picks
-

If Ainge wanted to pivot from Markky, then getting one of Eason/Whitmore would be a solid move. They both have potential in different ways.
Whitmore can flex down to sg better than Eason so, maybe this:

High potential prospects: Eason, JGreen
Picks: #4 would do it if HOU gets luckys. Otherwise, #8 and one more pick of middle value. A 2025 swap option (top 10 protected so if HOU or BKN is top 10 then HOU keeps it) - which would then defer to the 2026 BKN pick(top 4 protected) defers then to HOU 2027 1st (top 1 protected).
Filler: Tate, Landale