NBA Rumors: Spurs ready to shell out big in Lauri Markkanen sweepstakes

The San Antonio Spurs are looking to make a big splash by adding an NBA star to their roster. Insider Brett Siegel reported on Sunday about Spurs' interest in pursuing Utah Jazz big man Lauri Markkanen. Siegel shared that the franchise is ready to offer a trade package to acquire the Finnish star.

The Spurs made decent moves this offseason to help the franchise and Victor Wembanyama start to win games. Their first move was to sign veteran point guard Chris Paul to a one-year, $11 million deal. They also traded for one-time champion Harrison Barnes.

This time, San Antonio is exploring other options in which player they can trade for Markkanen. The organization is willing to trade Keldon Johnson to get the one-time All-Star, Siegel reported. Johnson has been with the team since the start of his career and has shown improvement. However, his on-court production took a hit once Wemby arrived.

"The Spurs have shown a willingness to part with multiple first-round picks, as well as Keldon Johnson, in a potential deal for Lauri Markkanen," Siegel wrote.

The Jazz forward has averaged more than 20 points over the past two seasons, including one where he was named an All-Star. Last season, he put up 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists. He was also named the Most Improved Player back in the 2022-23 season.

The Spurs aren't the only team interested in trading for the forward. The Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors are the teams to have inquired about Markkanen's availability.

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Spurs should trade fringe NBA star for Markkanen

The Spurs' offer of trading Johnson and multiple future picks for Markkanen might not be enough to move the Jazz to agree on a trade. Looking at who they have, letting go of Devin Vassell might make Utah explore a potential trade with the franchise.

Trading Vassell away won't be easy, he's a better player than Johnson and has shown that he can play well alongside Wemby. However, the Jazz front office has asked for a significant price for the NBA star. Shams Charania reported back on July 16 about how Utah wants to trade for the Warriors' Brandin Podziemski.

Not only do they want the young guard, but they also want to get multiple first-round picks to be part of the package.

For the Spurs, trading Vassell would mean they won't need to let go of most of the future picks they have. The 6-foot-5 shooting guard has also shown more All-Star potential than Johnson, which the Jazz would likely want to develop.