Kings Running Out of Time to Trade for NBA All-Star

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen is likely to make a decision that will keep him out of the Sacramento Kings' hands.

Dec 30, 2022; Sacramento, California, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) during the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. / Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

After hearing a plethora of rumors about a potential Lauri Markkanen trade this offseason, the Sacramento Kings are unlikely to make a move as time runs low.

The Utah Jazz forward has the opportunity to "essentially remove himself from the trade landscape until next summer" if he wishes (via Jake Fischer | Yahoo Sports). If Markkanen waits until this Wednesday to sign a contract extension in Utah, the team would be unable to trade him until after the 2024-25 season.

All indications are Lauri Markkanen won’t sign any extension with Utah until after the day he becomes eligible to re-up with the Jazz tomorrow, league sources told @YahooSports, ruling the talented 27-year-old off the trade market for the 2024-25 season: https://t.co/VqfxRC1ehu

— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) August 5, 2024

Markkanen has buzzed around various camps in the NBA, but all talks have died out for the 2023 Most Improved Player. His words reveal that he doesn't want to leave Salt Lake City, saying that he and his family love to live there.

Another question behind a Markkanen move is what the Kings would have to offer for him. The team already made a big move for DeMar DeRozan and they don't have too many more pieces that can be used in a deal for a big name player. With the Kings' front office unwilling to move Keegan Murray (and for good reason), the next best option to send in a trade would be guard Kevin Huerter.

Here’s your PSA: There’s zero chance the Sacramento Kings trade Keegan Murray. He’s part of the untouchable core with De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.

— Cameron Salerno (@cameronsalerno1) November 20, 2023

Picks would have to be included to make any deal a fair one, but the Jazz aren't in need after receiving massive hauls for superstars Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert. The needs simply don't match up between the two teams.

From the outside, it appears that the Kings are comfortable with the roster they have now. DeRozan's presence can undoubtedly influence the team along with rookie guard Devin Carter once he returns from injury. This offseason can be considered a success by Kings fans if their 2022-23 form brings them to the forefront of the Western Conference.

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