Sixers Must Make Massive Trade Offer for All-Star Potentially On the Trade Block
By Cem Yolbulan
While teams around the NBA started improving their roster already with the Knicks acquiring Mikal Bridges, the Thunder trading for Alex Caruso, and the Pelicans bringing in Dejounte Murray, the Philadelphia 76ers have been quiet so far. Daryl Morey has chosen to keep his powder dry so far but he needs to make his big move soon if he wants the Sixers to be a championship contender next season.
The Sixers need high-level starters next to Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid and have the cap space and trade assets to bring them to Philadelphia. One name they should go all-in and make a massive offer for is Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Jazz aren't actively trying to shop him but they are listening to offers.
Woj talking about Lauri Markkanen and the Jazz. Teams are being aggressive in trying to trade for him. Jazz want to keep him, but are listening.
— David J. Smith (@davidjsmith1232) June 29, 2024
So things are status quo here. pic.twitter.com/05Z47Eq6YV
It sounds like it would require an offer they can't refuse for the Jazz to trade Markkanen. The Sixers should make that proposal to Utah.
Philadelphia can offer up to five first-round draft picks for Markkanen, as well as rookies Jared McCain and Adem Bona. Considering that was the type of offer Mikal Bridges required in his trade to the Knicks, that should be enough to land Markkanen as well.
Markkanen is the perfect fit next to Maxey and Embiid. He is an elite shooter with great positional size. He is an excellent off-ball player and cutter who doesn't need the ball in his hands to be effective. He can defend forwards reasonably well.
Plus, he only makes $18 million for the 2024-25 season. That means that the Sixers would still have enough cap space to bring in another All-Star-level player or multiple good role players. Philadelphia would have to give Markkanen a contract extension but considering that he is only 27 years old, Daryl Morey should gladly offer it to him.
There is no perfect solution to what the Sixers need to do this offseason but Lauri Markkanen is as close to it as it gets due to his age, on-court fit, and contract structure. It would be unforgivable if Morey didn't pounce on this opportunity.
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