Why the Jazz should target a move for the second pick in the upcoming draft

After years of flirting, the Utah Jazz finally made a commitment to tanking. Their reward? The fifth pick in a draft with four likely superstars.

With a young roster that is talented but lacking a true potential tentpole leader (or, with apologies to Lauri Markkanen, one on their timeline) the Jazz simply must look to trade up into the top four this year. In Lauri, they have the perfect bait.

Let’s rule out the first pick. The Dallas Mavericks lucked into the first overall pick and, presumably, Duke phenom Cooper Flagg. Even Nico Harrison won’t look that particular gift horse in the mouth. Probably.

Daryl Morey would likely love to move his third overall pick for Markkanen and the fifth. The issue is finances. The Sixers top heavy roster means that the only salaries that they can move for Markkanen are perennially injured franchise centerpiece Joel Embiid, young star Tyrese Maxey or the fossilized remains of Paul George. Whilst he would likely love to move on from George, Utah has absolutely zero reason to take him on.

That’s a shame, given the Lauri would fit hand-in-glove with the Sixers roster, acting as an A+ Tobias Harris, stretching the floor as a complimentary piece with the ability to take control of the offense as required.

The fourth pick is also likely off the table. The Charlotte Hornets look, at long last, like an organization that both has, and is sticking to, a plan. There is no reason for the Hornets to trade down without Utah bowling them over with an offer.

That leaves the San Antonio Spurs and the second pick

Victor Wembanyama looks ready to dominate in the very near future, if not immediately. With a raft of young talent on the roster, nobody would begrudge them building organically, though there is a line of thinking that the Spurs need to give themselves as many shots at the title as possible, so why not start now?

Trading into the second pick would be expensive for Utah, though the fifth pick and a package centered around Markkanen could suit both teams. The 28-year-old Finn adds another huge shooter to place next to Wemby, their combined marksmanship opening up driving lanes for De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle. Wemby would cover for Markkanen’s defensive deficiencies.

A trade of pick five and Markkanen for pick two, Jeremy Sochan, Devin Vassell and Harrison Barnes works financially. And the respective front offices can mix and match to their hearts content.

If Vassell is off the table, Keldon Johnson is a reasonable substitute. Would Utah look to take on a re-signed Chris Paul to mentor their own young lead guards in Isaiah Collier and Keyonte George? Should Utah decide to keep their Markkanen powder dry for a future move, would John Collins work with a reduced package coming back to Salt Lake? Could the teams trade young sharpshooters in Brice Sensabaugh and Julian Champagnie? The options are practically limitless.

Again, the Spurs may well decide to play the long game, building organically with their talented young core. But contention windows can shut in a moments notice. Just ask the Boston Celtics. The addition of Markkanen while still adding a high-level talent at pick five (or even on-trading it) would put the Spurs right in the mix, even in the gauntlet that is the Western Conference.

For the Jazz, this trade gives them the chance to draft their sun, the player around who their other young talents can orbit. Dylan Harper, VJ Edgecombe and Ace Bailey all fit the mold. The Jazz would have their proverbial pick of the litter (Flagg excepted).

Danny Ainge would surely love to come to the negotiating table. The ball sits in the Spurs court.