Grade the trade: Hawks proposal lands $18 million award-winning All-Star

Jazz continue rebuild in proposed trade with Hawks

The Jazz finished the 2023-24 season 20 games below .500 at 31-51, the fourth-worst record in the Western Conference and eighth-worst in the NBA. Markkanen is in his prime at 27 years old and could be more valuable for what he can bring back in a trade for a still-rebuilding team.

“With the 2025 draft class projected to be one of the best in years, this trade would give the Jazz potentially five first-round picks to jumpstart the franchise,” Swartz wrote.

“They already own unprotected picks from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves and now add additional selections from the Lakers and Kings (top-12-protected in 2025, top-10 in 2026, turns into 2026 and 2027 second-round picks if not conveyed). Trading Markkanen also helps Utah's chances of keeping its own pick (top-10-protected, owed to the Oklahoma City Thunder).”

All three incoming players in this scenario are also younger than 24 years old.

Okongwu is the oldest. He turns 24 years old in December. He averaged 10.2 points, 6.8 boards, and 1.2 assists in 2023-24. Okongwu also extended his range to the three-point line and logged minutes at power forward, making him even more versatile.

Bufkin turns 21 years old in September. He is coming off an injury-marred rookie season and was forced to miss Las Vegas Summer League with a shoulder injury.

Daniels turns 22 years old in March. He is a stout perimeter defender with questionable offense.

This scenario would add money to the Jazz’s books in 2024-25. But they will likely save money compared what Markkanen will make on his next contract. The trio of Bufkin, Daniels, and Okongwu will cost $27.2 million in 2024-25.

Grade – A: This trade would solve a lingering (albeit luxury) issue, with Markkanen’s future looming large, and add to their coffers with players and draft capital.