The Utah Jazz has been the team to watch for the majority of free agency, with them shopping two of their best assets around to interested teams. While some have speculated that they may not be serious about trading their best assets, they may just be trying to increase the value of those players, with teams such as the Oklahoma City Thunder seemingly interested.
However, their long-time rivals, the San Antonio Spurs, could instead try to swoop in and steal their thunder, pun intended. After Oklahoma City, the Spurs have the second-most assets in the league and could make the Jazz a big offer. That would not only make them better but also keep OKC from improving more than they already have and potentially help to balance the scales when the two teams inevitably face each other in the playoffs in the near future.
The New Orleans Pelicans could also factor into a hypothetical trade involving the Spurs and Jazz, with the Pelicans in need of a starting big man to round out their starting lineup. Next, we will look at a potential three-team swap involving the Spurs, Pelicans, and Jazz and see whether the deal makes sense for each franchise.
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.
Would the Utah Jazz agree to the deal?
With speculation that Markkanen and Kessler could both be moved, the Jazz would be able to deal both in this hypothetical swap and receive top dollar. Five first-round picks, Johnson, and a pick swap is quite a haul and would allow the Jazz to hit the reset button. Doing so by bottoming out ahead of the 2024–25 season would help them get into the Cooper Flagg race, with him expected to be the number one pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Even with a maximum 14% chance of being the top pick, going all-in in that direction is better than trying to build around Markkanen by re-signing him to a 5-year deal for up to $250 million. He is 27 years old and even if the Jazz were able to build a contender in the next three years, he’d be 30 by then, nearing the point where players tend to decline.
The Spurs, ironically, did something similar with Dejounte Murray, trading him for three firsts and a pick swap while clearing the deck for them to tank for Wembanyama. They ultimately got him and are well-positioned to win for years to come. The Jazz could follow suit, with the goal of landing Flagg next year or even Cam Boozer in 2026. It’s a risky strategy but Utah doesn’t have a better alternative and could be well-rewarded by agreeing to the deal.
Would the San Antonio Spurs agree to the deal?
Having what many people expect will be the next face of the league in Victor Wembanyama should eventually make the Spurs a perennial winner but they are also trying to win games next season. As constructed, they are much better than last season, but even with the additions of Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, they may still have trouble making the playoffs. After all, the West is still incredibly tough and they could still only be among the six or seven best teams in their conference next season.
That could lead to the Spurs making another deal and they have been linked to Markkanen. Making a move for him now would accelerate their timeline, with him giving them a major offensive boost with his skill as a shooter, helping turn a team that struggled to hit threes and potentially making them above-average in that area.
He’d also pair nicely with the other players in the starting lineup, with Paul being able to spoon-feed Wembanyama for easy baskets while also getting both Markannen and Devin Vassell clean looks, making them terrific second and third options.
Better still, they wouldn’t sacrifice much in terms of depth. Johnson is likely to be replaced by fourth overall pick Stephon Castle, who, paired with Tre Jones, Malaki Branham, Barnes, and Zach Collins, would make for a capable 10-man rotation. It would cost the Spurs three firsts and a pick swap but it could be worth it for them to make a big step forward next season, meaning that they’d likely do the deal.
Would the New Orleans Pelicans agree to the deal?
After letting starting center Jonas Valanciunas leave to sign with the Washington Wizards, the Pelicans have been trying to fill a hole at the five. That hole was exasperated by the move they made to land Dejounte Murray, in which they traded their backup center, Larry Nance Jr., to the Atlanta Hawks along with two first-round picks and recent lottery pick Dyson Daniels.
While most expected them to acquire Clint Capela, that didn’t happen, and they could instead turn to Walker Kessler as an option. The Pelicans have three first-round picks in next year’s draft, with the Jazz apparently wanting two firsts for him.
Getting Kessler would give them a 22-year-old defensive-minded center who could anchor the Pelicans defense for years to come, especially if they move on from Brandon Ingram and start Trey Murphy alongside Herb Jones and Murray. Two firsts for a player who didn’t consistently start games for the Jazz may seem like a lot but New Orleans probably won’t have much use for those picks when they need a starter.
Kessler has upside and will be extremely cheap for the next couple of seasons, with him set to make just $7.7 million. With the Hawks seemingly unwilling to trade Capela for Ingram and the Cavs holding onto Jarrett Allen, the Pels don’t have many options, with Kessler being the best one.
