Ultimately, I weighed Keegan versus Markkanen for a Kings team that I feel needs to make a decision of real importance. Keegan is the only thing the Kings have that profiles as an elite two way player. I love Sabonis and Fox, but they're not great defenders. They know that. They need someone to be their wing stopper of the future, and the hope is that Keegan can develop into that. He also shoots the ball well from distance and profiles as that exact type of player that teams need to succeed long term in the NBA.

But the reality is the ceiling that Murray might have offensively is not close to Markkanen. What Lauri can do with his size and as a movement shooter is exceptional and impressive. He slots in as the second scorer/third offensive valve so easily with this Kings team. Sabonis/Fox/Markkanen is a no joke, bonafide winning team. On top of that--he's only 2 and a half years older than Murray, which is small enough that I don't think it affects Sacramento's future potential timelines.

For Utah, you get a young player not yet on his second contract who can act as a potential stop gap/wing piece that your young bigs and guards can grow around. 3 picks is enough with Keegan to me, though I do think you can remove a protection or add in a swap if you need to sweeten the deal.

Losing Keegan hurts--but it might be the sacrifice you need to make to upgrade a feel good-ish story into a team that can actually compete. I don't know if they win a title with this trade, but they're the closest they've been since 2002.

Lineups: KINGS Fox - Monk/Carter - Barnes/McDaniels (post Davion trade) - Markkanen - Sabonis Bench: Carter/Monk, McDaniels/Barnes, Lyles, Ellis

JAZZ George - Sexton - Murray - Collins- Kessler BENCH: Clarkson, Sensabaugh, Hendricks, Williams/Collier