Despite signing a long-term extension last summer, Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen remains one of the NBA’s most coveted trade targets. With the Jazz still rebuilding, the expectation remains that the former All-Star will find a new home soon. Recently, a top NBA insider provided insight into a potential match for the Jazz as they explore their options with Markkanen.
Which Team Did an NBA Insider Reveal Is a Great Fit for Lauri Markkanen?
Top NBA insider Zach Lowe discussed Markkanen trade rumors on his podcast. He believes the Detroit Pistons should inquire into a potential trade for Markkanen, saying, “I think he’s ideal for how they play and what they need.”
Lowe added, “The price is gonna be everything, it’s gonna be Harris, Ivey, Holland, every pick and swap you have. If you want to keep Ausar Thompson, which you do, if you want to keep Jalen Duren, if you want to keep those two guys, then the price is Holland, plus Ivey, plus Harris, plus four picks, plus four swaps.”
Zach Lowe on the Detroit Pistons acquiring Lauri Markkanen: “It’s going to cost everything.” Lists the following package as the perceived cost: Tobias Harris, Jaden Ivey, Ron Holland, 4 first-round picks, and 4 first-round pick swaps. pic.twitter.com/833NFFOI7s
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) November 20, 2025
Markkanen is already essentially a lock to earn his second All-Star selection if he stays healthy, especially with this season’s format pitting the best players from the United States against the best players from around the World.
He’s averaging 30.6 points per game this season on 48.5% shooting from the field and 38.5% shooting from three. He’s also averaging 6.9 free throw attempts per game, which would easily be a career high if he can sustain this pace all season.
Despite a 5-9 record, the Jazz currently occupy the last Western Conference Play-In Tournament spot. Markkanen has praised the organization for allowing him to develop into one of the league’s top offensive talents. He’s in the second year of a five-year $238 million extension he signed last summer.
As the Jazz organization continues developing a long-term plan, Lowe believes the surprising Pistons are a potential suitor for Markkanen. The Pistons currently have the best record in the Eastern Conference at 13-2, with 2021 first overall pick Cade Cunningham emerging as a franchise player. It’s a remarkable turnaround for an organization that had the worst record in the NBA just two seasons ago.
Markkanen would add a versatile offensive weapon to the Pistons. Despite adding sharp-shooter Duncan Robinson during the offseason, the Pistons are currently ranked 20th in three-point shooting. Markkanen can stretch the floor as a big man, something center Jalen Duren doesn’t do. He’s also quietly improved his defense, which is essential as the Pistons currently own the league’s second-best defensive rating.
Tobias Harris is a quality veteran, but the Jazz would consider Lowe’s offer if they’re betting on the development of Jaden Ivey and Ronald Holland II. The fifth overall pick in the 2022 draft, Ivey was building momentum before breaking his left fibula this past January.
He also had an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee in October. The Jazz would essentially bet that Ivey can regain his explosiveness. Holland was drafted fifth overall in 2024 and has shown signs of being a future member of the All-Defensive Team.
Lowe’s trade proposal is a sign that Markkanen’s value around the league is on the rise once again.
