Spurs' Lauri Markkanen trade dreams are all but dead if latest rumors are true

Although the San Antonio Spurs are off to their strongest start to a season in years, it appears that one top potential trade target is already off the market. Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen is having a heck of a season, averaging 28.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.

Nevertheless, his name has repeatedly come up in trade talks, and the Spurs seems like an ideal landing spot for him. However, according to The Athletic's Tony Jones, the Jazz seem unlikely to trade him this season.

The Spurs have the components for a big trade, with Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and Jeremy Sochan being a ready-made trade package. But with them rolling, the need for a big trade seems to have lessened.

The Spurs may have to cross Lauri Markkanen off their wishlist

While the Jazz are a competitive team, their drafting of Ace Bailey and Markkanen's resurgence haven't made them a playoff team. As a result, the Jazz could end up in the lottery this season yet again.

And depending on where they fall, they could potentially land a star in the top-heavy 2026 NBA draft. The three biggest names in next year's draft are AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cam Boozer.

Each of those players has star potential and could be the potential cornerstone of a franchise. Better still for Utah, they wouldn't necessarily have to have the worst record in the NBA to end up with an elite prospect.

The Spurs likely aren't going to make a big in-season trade

If they end up with one of those three players, then they could quickly retool around that prospect, Bailey and Markkanen. That means they'd have little reason to trade Markkanen. That could take him off the wishlist of several teams, barring the Spurs including players such as Stephon Castle or Dylan Harper in a move.

That's likely not going to happen, and the Spurs probably wouldn't move Sochan, Vassell, and Johnson in-season unless it's for a star. No way would they risk upsetting the apple cart unless it's for a player who absolutely makes them better.

If Markkanen could be had for Sochan, Vassell, and Johnson and a first, then sure. After all, he'd be a fantastic offensive fit as a third option that wouldn't need the ball in his hands consistently to make a huge impact.

Instead, they will have to "make do" with those three, with Vassell and Johnson having strong seasons in their own right while the Spurs are having a strong season too—with their help.