NBA Trades: Spurs steal OKC's Thunder in mock deal with Jazz and Pelicans

NBA Trades: Spurs steal OKC's Thunder in mock deal with Jazz and Pelicans

The Spurs would receive Lauri Markkanen in exchange for Keldon Johnson, a 2025 top-3 protected first, a 2026 pick swap from Atlanta, a 2027 top-3 protected first from Atlanta, and a 2031 top-3 protected first from the Minnesota Timberwolves in the potential deal.

Meanwhile, the Pelicans would receive Walker Kessler and their 2025 2nd round pick back from the Spurs while sending Jordan Hawkins and two firsts to the Jazz. That deal could work out for all three teams in theory, with the Spurs getting a star to pair with Victor Wembanyama in the long term, the Jazz getting great value for two of their best assets and the Pelicans getting a much-needed starting center.

Upgrading would cost both the Spurs and Pelicans, with the Pelicans having to part with two of their three 2025 firsts via the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks, while the Spurs would have to give up three firsts, a pick swap, and Johnson. That would give the Jazz significant assets, allowing them to capitalize on the recent increase in value for stars that they might not otherwise get.

Perhaps the biggest potential issue with the hypothetical trade is the question of whether the Jazz would move Markkanen or whether the Spurs or Pelicans would have any hangups. Next, we'll take a look and see if the Jazz would agree to the trade.