NBA Trades: Spurs and Pelicans add starters; OKC lands a star in potential Jazz deal
By Cal Durrett
Spurs get: Lou Dort
Pelicans get: Walker Kessler, 2026 second-round pick (from Spurs via Pelicans) 2025 second-round pick (via Thunder)
Jazz get: Keldon Johnson, five first-round picks (3 via OKC 2 via Pelicans), a first-round pick swap, and 2 second-round picks
Thunder get: Lauri Markkanen, 2nd-round pick (via Spurs)
Grade the Trade: Spurs add two starters, Thunder add a star in potential deal Jazz
The aforementioned deal expands upon Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report's proposed deal and would send the Spurs Lou Dort, and the Pelicans Walker Kessler. Meanwhile the Utah Jazz would receive five first-round picks, a first-round pick swap, two second-round picks, and Keldon Johnson. Lastly, the Thunder would receive Lauri Markkanen and a second-round pick from the Spurs.
It's a fascinating deal for all four teams involved, with the Thunder getting the best player in the deal by dipping into their huge draft pick stockpile as well as trading a starter. Meanwhile, the Spurs would get a starter to help improve their roster, the Jazz would hit the reset button by trading their best player for a treasure trove of assets, and the Pelicans get a starting center. On paper, the deal makes sense for all four teams, despite the Spurs, Jazz, Pelicans, and Thunder having differing goals.
The Spurs are trying to improve in the short term while seemingly trying to hold on to their best draft assets. The Jazz may want to sell high on their best player while also clearing the decks to rebuild through the draft, the Pelicans need a long-term answer at center, while the Thunder have a chance to become the team to beat in the West. This deal could help each be in that regard, but would they all agree to the deal? Let's find out, starting with the Jazz.