Known Analyst prospective Trade favors Utah Jazz greatly as the contract terms…

An NBA analyst suggested a major trade between the Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz. Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report proposed that the Nuggets receive Lauri Markkanen, while the Jazz get Michael Porter Jr., the No. 28 pick in the 2024 draft, first-round swaps in 2026, 2028, and 2030, along with second-round picks in 2025, 2026, and 2029.

Markkanen, who played 55 games for the Jazz this season, averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.5 blocks, with shooting percentages of 48.0% from the field, 39.9% from beyond the arc, and 89.9% from the free-throw line. A former All-Star and the 2022-23 Most Improved Player of the Year, Markkanen has one year remaining on his contract.

Porter Jr. played 81 games for the Nuggets this season, averaging 16.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, with shooting percentages of 48.4% from the field, 39.7% from beyond the arc, and 83.6% from the free-throw line.

Hughes noted in his NBA column that “Markkanen is essentially a superior version of Porter, but his upcoming contract could be more expensive.” He highlighted Porter’s contract at $35.9 million, $38.3 million, and $40.8 million for the next three seasons, suggesting Markkanen’s next deal might start even higher. Despite Porter’s injury concerns, he’s younger than Markkanen and has played more games recently, with 143 games and 33 playoff appearances over the last two seasons compared to Markkanen’s 111 games.

Porter Jr. is set to earn $35.9 million next season, boasting career averages of 15.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists.

Markkanen, on the other hand, will earn $18 million next season, holding career averages of 18.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.5 blocks with the Bulls, Cavaliers, and Jazz.

Utah didn’t make the playoffs this year, while Denver lost to the Timberwolves in seven games during the second round.