Jazz urged to shop Markkanen to clear minutes for Peterson and Bailey
Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz argues Utah should put Lauri Markkanen on the market, with the forward turning 30 next spring and blocking starter minutes for Darryn Peterson or Ace Bailey, and no longer fitting a young core that also includes Keyonte George and Jaren Jackson Jr. Markkanen is coming off a career year at 26.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.2 assists, and has three years and $149.5 million left, which Swartz notes will eat less than 28% of next season's cap.
Golden State and Detroit are named as fits needing frontcourt scoring, while Minnesota is called intriguing but hard to line up without Jaden McDaniels.
The Warriors pursued Markkanen previously and balked at Danny Ainge's asking price, and Heavy notes any deal now would likely have to be built around Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler plus picks to make the salary work.
