3 trades the Cavs could make with Lauri Markkanen

3 trades the Cavs could make with Lauri Markkanen: Utah Jazz

You rarely see a “challenge trade” like this, with two veteran starters at a similar position simply swapped for each other. Why would this one work?

For the Utah Jazz, they desperately need to add more size and defense, and although Lauri Markkanen is far from a stopper he proved this year he can hold up well given a capable rim protector behind him. Bogdanovic has been something of a sieve for the Jazz. Markkanen would also provide a different look at backup center if the Jazz want to lean into offense-first bench lineups when Rudy Gobert is off the court.

The Cavs might say yes to this trade to add shot creation. Bogdanovic is more dynamic with the ball in his hands and can create his own shot, something Markkanen cannot. He is a more versatile shooter and can drive bench lineups when Darius Garland is off the court. He is older than Markkanen and a worse defender, but the Cavs can survive that weakness more with their combination of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.

The salaries work out to simply swap the two players, and both the Jazz and Cavs would have a different frontcourt look moving forward. This one seems unlikely, but it does have a certain logic to it. If not this deal, don’t be surprised if Markkanen is eventually moved for a forward with some amount of shot creation ability.

In the end, Lauri Markkanen was a part of the Cavs taking a huge step forward this season. History tells us that NBA teams that go from bad to good tend to overrate keeping that group together; the Cavs likely will do the same. If they do take the bold step to move Markkanen, perhaps they get on the phone with Philly, San Antonio or Utah.