Lauri Markkanen has been in trade rumors and Washington is one piece away from a playoff entrance in this banged-up Eastern Conference. Can the Jazz and Wizards come to a deal that helps both? Let’s jump into each team’s logic from here.

NOTE: The Warriors pick is top-20 protected.

Why the Wizards do this:

The Wizards are a team in need of a number one option who can move to a second option as their young core develops. Lauri Markkanen fits that bill, as a player who has led this Jazz team to surprisingly hot starts before they chose to tank later in the season. At 28 years old, the back end of Lauri’s prime will align with the early primes of Sarr/Bub/Kyshawn which is what Washington should be targeting. He’s also a good positional fit — the Wizards are weak at the PF slot and could really use a good 4 to round out their starting lineup of:

Bub Carrington, CJ McCollum, Corey Kispert, Lauri Markkanen, Alex Sarr

Why the Jazz do this:

Utah has needed to move Lauri Markkanen for a while and this is probably the best package on the market for him. They get to take flyers on Cam Whitmore and AJ Johnson, and they get off most of the money with Middleton’s expiring contract which is likely a buyout if they can’t extract additional value by mid season.

Jazz starting lineup: Keyonte George, Jordan Clarkson, Khris Middleton, Cam Whitmore, Walker Kessler

What do you think of this deal? Who accepts, who passes, and why? Let me know in the comments! If you enjoyed this trade please drop a like and flame, and stay tuned for more great kawntent.