Trade Deadline Targets: Lauri Markkanen
Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
In the final week leading up to the NBA’s trade deadline, the Sixers have had their eyes on multiple different targets. Lauri Markkanen‘s asking price is high, but it may be worth it for Philadelphia to add a 3rd star to go alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey
Markkanen has spent his 7 seasons in the NBA with the Chicago Bulls, and Cleveland Cavaliers, and he currently resides with the Utah Jazz. Markkanen was a first-time All-Star in 2023 as he was named a starter and also took home the Most Improved Player award thanks to his drastic improvement from 2022 to 2023.
The Finnish star is currently averaging 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists while shooting almost 50% from the field. His stat line is much better than players like Tobias Harris‘s and Kelly Oubre‘s and he would immediately be more effective than these 2 players.
The only issue that could really become a problem for Philadelphia is Markkanen’s expected price. If he were to be traded, Danny Ainge had said he would need at least 5 picks(or players equivalent to that), just like the Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell trades. Tobias Harris, Kelly Oubre, and players involved in the James Harden trade may be enough, but is it really worth it for Utah’s star?
