NBA Trade Rumors: 6 Shot-in-the-dark moves Blazers should pursue at NBA Draft

Checking on Lauri Markkanen

If the Portland Trail Blazers really want to push their luck this offseason, they should absolutely ask the Utah Jazz about Lauri Markkanen. He’s probably as close to an untouchable as the Jazz has on its roster but the Blazer could make an interesting off if they wanted that centers around the third overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

Essentially, the Jazz would have to say no to an offer that includes Anfernee Simons, Scoot Henderson (the probable third overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft), and the 23rd overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Quite frankly, if I was running the Jazz, that would be a difficult offer to decline. Despite how good Markkanen looked this season.

I suppose the big question that both the Jazz and Blazers would have to ask themselves is how much either of them believes in Markkanen. If they truly believe that he is a perennial All-Star player, this deal would make sense, even for both sides.

But there’s no question that this is the type of deal/offer that certainly comes with a certain level of risk.

Will the Portland Trail Blazers make a move? The clock is ticking with the 2023 NBA Draft nearly a week away.