As the 2025-2026 NBA season plays out, the league's potential trade candidates are being revealed. By now, it's widely believed that Anthony Davis is the biggest trade chip on the market out of Dallas, but Utah Jazz sharpshooter Lauri Markkanen is believed to be in the picture as well.
So far, the Utah Jazz don't seem to be putting out feelers with actual intentions of moving on just yet, but insiders, analysts, and fans have been waiting for the Markkanen bubble to burst for a couple of years now.
As speculation continues throughout the first month of the season, the NBA analyst Zach Lowe recently predicted what a potential outgoing package for Markkanen could look like. Using the thriving Detroit Pistons as a hypothetical suitor, Lowe fired off quite a hefty price tag for Markkanen.
One expiring veteran (Tobias Harris), an expiring young ex-first-rounder (Jaden Ivey), a second-year top-five selection (Ron Holland), four picks, and four pick swaps is Lowe's prediction for a potential Markkanen deal. After NBA fans got a chance to think it over, many went to Reddit to sound off.
NBA Fans Debate Lauri Markkanen's Potential Price Tag
r/Vordero: There’s no way that’s the actual asking price, Zach has to be wildly speculating here. If even half that was offered I’d take it and run.
r/metaslaves: That's a package for Giannis not a guy that hasn't played a playoff game his entire career.
r/suspicious-Car7533: I guarantee whenever Lauri gets traded the package won't be whatever Lowe is saying lol
r/ositola: 8 picks for Lauri is ridiculous
There's no debating whether Markkanen is worth a deal that enters blockbuster territory. He might not be on the Luka level of value, but Markkanen is a one-time All-Star who brings a lot of value to a team that needs a strong complementary piece.
Last year was considered a down year for Markkanen, who averaged 19 points and 5.9 rebounds, while shooting 34 percent from three. In 16 games this year, Markkanen's numbers are up to 29.3 points on 38 percent shooting from three, along with 6.1 rebounds per game.
r/abitofskillandluck: Lauri is good but this trade would be such an over pay
r/King_Artis: Lauri’s never even made the playoffs and I wouldn’t even consider him a top tier all-star. Giving up all that for him is crazy work.
r/SakaSlide: So Zach Lowe thinks Markkanen is a top 10 player in the league? That's the only way that package would make any sense
r/Bruhman82: Did Zach get a job with the Jazz or something lol
The biggest concern when it comes to Markkanen is his lack of postseason experience. When the Lukases and the Durants of the NBA are traded, teams know they are acquiring stars that are battle-tested in the NBA. Since 2017, Markkanen has spent time with the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Jazz-he doesn't have a playoff series to show for.
It's still too early to tell if Markkanen is playing out his final year with the Jazz or not. The Jazz are deemed a fun team to watch, but a 5-11 record doesn't suggest they are ready to take the next step just yet. Markkanen, 28, hasn't had a chance to play with a contender through his first nine seasons. Later in the season, there might be a win-win situation available to Markkanen and the Jazz. For now, both parties seem content with the current situation.
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