Report: Kings Would Not Trade Keegan Murray for Lauri Markkanen

The Kings reportedly believe Murray will be better than the Jazz All-Star.

The Sacramento Kings have headlined trade rumors about multiple NBA stars, but no deal has been made with the trade deadline less than a month away. The Kings have been known to view star sophomore Keegan Murray as "untouchable," viewing him as better than most potential trade candidates. 

In the HoopsHype Podcast hosted by Michael Scotto, Kings insider James Ham said Sacramento's front office would not trade Murray in a deal for Utah Jazz All-Star Lauri Markkanen. 

"They view [Murray] as a star. I’ve had conversations within the walls. I asked the question, would you trade him for Lauri Markkanen last season? The answer was “No. We believe he’ll be better than Markkanen.” So that should tell you everything that you need to know about what they feel about him as a player."

Markkanen, 26, is one of the hottest commodities on the trade market this season, even though the Jazz are unlikely to move the star wing. The Kings see Murray's potential to be a star, viewing him as untouchable, but Markkanen is a proven star in this league. 

In his first All-Star appearance last season, Markkanen averaged 25.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game with 49.9/39.1/87.5 shooting splits. In his first season as a true number-one option, the Finnish star showed out. While the Kings' praise for Murray is understandable, to not even consider moving him for Markkanen is confusing.

The Kings likely want to keep their core together following a 48-win season, but certain moves must be made.to compete for a championship. If the Kings can get a hypothetical deal done for Markkanen without giving up Murray, it would be a no-brainer, but Utah's star is likely too valuable to acquire him without selling Murray.

If Murray can develop to be better than Markkanen, like the Kings expect him to, Sacramento could become championship contenders without trading for another star.

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