5 NBA teams that must consider trading for Lauri Markkanen

3) San Antonio Spurs

Perhaps the team best in position to pull off this level of a move, the San Antonio Spurs have a treasure trove of assets, surprisingly even more than the Thunder.

The Spurs hold potentially four first-round picks in 2025—realistically three, barring a major leap by the Charlotte Hornets and another nine by 2031. That includes unprotected picks in 2025 and 2027, plus an unprotected pick-swap in 2026, all courtesy of the Atlanta Hawks, who underwent a major change to the roster construction this year. Those picks remain strong in value as trade rumors continue to surround point guard Trae Young.

Then there's the potential players who could be had in a deal with Utah. Victor Wembanyama is certainly off the market, as is likely the case for wing Devin Vassell and guard Stephon Castle, who the team drafted with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. That still leaves Jeremy Sochan, Keldon Johnson, Tre Jones, and Malaki Branham as players of note.

San Antonio may seem young in their journey to make a bold move such as adding Lauri Markkanen, but they've made a clear effort to compete this season after signing Chris Paul to a one-year contract, and it's not hard to see why they feel comfortable moving up their window.

The Spurs went 7-4 in there last 11 games. While that's a small sample size, it's bolstered by some of the opponents they beat in that time, defeating the Phoenix Suns—without Wembanyama, the New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans, and the Denver Nuggets. In that 11 game range, Victor Wembanyama played eight of those matchups and averaged 27.0 points, 12.6 rebounds and 6.5 assists.

Adding a player that caliber of Lauri Markkanen, who also is such a picture perfect offensive fit alongside both he and Paul, could be the move San Antonio needs to make major noise in 2024-25.