New price tag for Markkanen makes the Spurs' likelihood of snagging him crystal clear

Roughly two weeks into free agency, the San Antonio Spurs look to be much improved, but there has been speculation that they could make a big move to make the playoffs. The Utah Jazz have been shopping forward Lauri Markkanen, and, according to the Athletics's Shams Charania, they have been in talks with the Golden State Warriors.

However, Utah's reported asking price suggests that they aren't serious about moving Markkanen. After all, there's no way that the Warriors would part with their best young players, including Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and Moses Moody, as well as two first-round picks and two pick swaps. Moreover, if the Spurs were to try and make a deal with them, then Jazz team president Danny Ainge would almost certainly ask for Devin Vassell and possibly Jeremy Sochan.

Should the San Antonio Spurs still have an interest in Lauri Markkanen given the updated asking price?

That would be an obvious non-starter, especially with Vassell getting ready to start a super team-friendly 5-year contract that should pay him below market value for the majority of his twenties. Compare that to Markkanen, who could sign an extension for at least $200 million after being traded.

That means that the Spurs would have to give up the farm for the right to max out a player who will be at most a second option. That simply doesn't make sense for the Spurs, who can hold on to all of their assets, get better this season and still have plenty of flexibility after next year.

The Warriors may opt to do the same, which Utah is likely aware of but is asking for the sun, moon, and stars in the hopes that they will get more than they expect in exchange for the best player. As a result, the Spurs shouldn't seriously consider trading for Markkanen unless the Jazz lowers their asking price from absurd to realistic.