Spurs trade targets ranked from probable to pipe dream

2) Lauri Markkanen

With small forward Keldon Johnson moving to the bench, perhaps permanently, these Spurs could be in the market for a new starting forward, and Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen would fit the bill. Markkanen is one of the premier scorers on the perimeter in the NBA, averaging 25 points per game while shooting nearly 50/40/90 over 100 games for the Jazz.

With offense like that, he'd fit in anywhere, including in San Antonio, where they already have Jeremy Sochan starting at the four. Sochan could guard small forwards next to Markkanen, and his improved shooting and passing might make it possible for him to start at the three, especially with a shooter like Markkanen at power forward.

Of course, he would probably cost an arm and a leg to acquire, with the Jazz presumably asking for at least three first-round picks in exchange for the best player. San Antonio is one of the few teams that could pony up those assets, but they may wait to see what the 2024 NBA draft has to offer, especially with potentially two top-10 picks.

With the Jazz owing a top-10 protected pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder, they have little incentive to win this season and may not be able to build a contender around their 26-year-old star. As a result, it is not impossible that he could be moved before the February 8th deadline.