Marka would rather trade! The Jazz sent a signal in disguise. Is the Lakers getting a chance to average 11+12 per game?

According to the NBA China official website: The Jazz are open to trading Markkanen.

The Jazz want to trade Markkanen?

In my opinion, this is not difficult to understand.

First of all, in the 24-25 season, he took a total of 700 shots and had a true shooting rate of 57.1%. In terms of finishing efficiency alone, compared with itself, it is the lowest since the 20-21 season. Compared with the league, he ranks 113th and 21st among the power forward positions. In other words, whether compared with the alliance or itself, this efficiency is very average.

Secondly, Markkanen still has a four-year, $194 million contract. With an average salary of US$49 million, he can rank 21st in the league in the 25-26 season. Behind him are many superstars such as Mitchell and Edwards.

To sum up the above two points, we can understand that Markkanen is not cost-effective, and there is no problem if the Jazz he brings is willing to trade. But the problem is that as a team with no record pressure, the Jazz can't trade Markkanen now, but wait for the increase in transaction value brought about by the increase in data.

Looking from the side, I think the Jazz are sending a signal in disguise: any player on the team can be traded as long as the price is right. After all, Markkanen is the most effective player on the team at this stage.

What does the Jazz's signal mean to the Lakers?

I think the opportunity has come to get Kessler.

Immediate Combat Power

In the 24-25 season, Kesler averaged a double-double of 11+12 per game. In addition to his good immediate combat power, his defensive end, especially his ability to protect the basket, was at an elite level - a total of 138 blocks, second only to Bunyama, Lopez and Myles Turner.

Judging from the preseason games against the Suns and Warriors, Ayton is still not good at the defensive end. Therefore, Kessler is still helpful to the Lakers. Relativity means good combat power, this is one of them.

The Jazz's attitude

As mentioned just now, Markkanen, who is the most powerful, can be traded. Obviously Kessler can also be traded. Taking a step back, judging from the failure of both parties to reach an early contract extension, Kessler is not 100% included in the Jazz's future plans. More importantly, they still want to maximize their profits. To be precise, they must either exchange for generous bargaining chips or complete the contract renewal at a "reasonable" price next summer. The Jazz are open to trading, and that's the second one.

The chips

are all under the rookie contract. It can be said that Pelinka can directly balance Kessler's deal with Knecht, but Ainge will definitely not do such a deal. But what I want to express is that the Lakers can directly take out the player chips, and the rest is nothing more than draft picks. In short, it is not cumbersome to operate. The chips are easy to balance, this is the third reason.

To sum up, the reason why the Lakers have a chance to get Kessler is mainly reflected in three points:

1. Kessler has good fighting ability;

2. The Jazz have an open trading attitude;

3. The chips are easy to balance.

Relatively speaking, I think the first point is the main reason.

First of all, the arrival of Ayton, who is unable to show good defensive standards, has reduced the Lakers' demand for centers rather than no demand. From the side, if Ayton is an offensive and defensive presence, the Lakers will basically have no need for Kessler.

Secondly, as mentioned just now, Kessler has good immediate combat ability as a role player, especially his ability to protect the basket, which other Lakers centers cannot achieve at this stage.

Finally, considering that Pelinka will definitely make an offer to the Jazz if the opportunity arises, of course whether it can be achieved is another matter.