The New Orleans Pelicans trade for Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz is expected to take place very soon. The Utah Jazz are not doing great this season. After finishing in 12th position last season in the Western Conference, they have stuck to the same spot with a 14-19 record this season as well. Their pieces are not coming together, and that is affecting their results.
On the other hand, the New Orleans Pelicans are doing much better with a similar kind of talent on their roster. Should they acquire Lauri Markkanen to strengthen their squad?
The Finnish international Lauri has played 20 games this season while averaging 23.o6 points per game. He has also managed to chart 1.4 assists and 8.6 rebounds per game while shooting 38.2 percent from beyond the arc.
The player can be a great asset for any contending team. He is somebody who has kept the Utah Jazz relevant this season. Should the Pelicans make a move for him? Here is all the information you need about the Utah Jazz’s Lauri Markkanen trade to the New Orleans Pelicans.
What would the New Orleans Pelicans trade for Lauri Markkanen?
The New Orleans Pelicans are likely to offer Jonas Valanciunas, Kira Lewis Jr, and a first-round pick each from the years 2024, 2026, and 2028 in exchange for the Utah Jazz’s #23. The 26-year-old small forward can be the cornerstone for the Jazz as well. Why would they ship him away?
Active players with the most consecutive double-digit scoring streaks:
1. LeBron James — 1,176
2. Joel Embiid — 158
3. Jayson Tatum — 154
4. Kevin Durant — 135
5. Lauri Markkanen — 89 pic.twitter.com/sRcoU2b0Ep— BronMuse (@BronMuse) December 20, 2023
Why would the Utah Jazz trade-off Lauri Markkanen?
The Utah Jazz were expected to rebuild last season but their somewhat good results kept them away from starting from scratch. This season, they are set to blow their roster. They are getting two players and three draft picks, which seems like a good return for their star.
Lauri Markkanen is a rare player in today's NBA — a genuine off-ball star who's 7-feet tall, shoots the lights out, can handle and is relatively athletic.
More on what makes him so valuable:https://t.co/uIWRDbOLa6 pic.twitter.com/QGACs0FoGS
— Nerd Sesh (@Nerd_Sesh) December 21, 2023
Why would the New Orleans Pelicans like to sign Lauri Markkanen?
The New Orleans Pelicans are likely to make it to the playoffs this season. They would fancy adding an offensive star who can help them go further in the tournament.
How far will the Pelicans go this season? We’ll keep you updated.