Lauri Markkanen would be a great fit with the Spurs

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen.

According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Lauri Markkanen is attracting interest from the San Antonio Spurs.

Gregg Popovich's team has already added Chris Paul to its roster on a one-year, $11M deal. Markkanen would form an elite frontcourt pairing with Victor Wembanyama.

"There's some other teams that are looking at Markkanen," Windhorst said on the "Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective" podcast. "I think San Antonio is one of them ... The teams negotiating with the Jazz do think there's a good chance they're going to move him. Sometimes, Danny Ainge will act like he's going to do a trade, then there's no trade. Maybe that will happen again here. But the teams negotiating think so."

Markkanen played in 55 games last season. He averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2 assists while shooting 39.9% from three-point range and 48% from the field. He would allow the Spurs to continue developing a five-out offense. Furthermore, his multi-level scoring ability would punish teams for sending two at Wembanyama in the half-court.

When you factor in Paul's addition and the fact that he is still one of the best playmakers in the NBA, Makkanen's scoring ability becomes incredibly attractive. Wembanyama is still developing, and teams have a year's worth of data on how to guard him. Adding another wrinkle to the Spurs' offensive system is a smart way to protect their future superstar.

Markkanen has steadily improved since Will Hardy took over as the Jazz head coach. Popovich would undoubtedly be keen to continue developing his impressive skillset. Furthermore, Markkanen would give San Antonio another reliable body in the frontcourt, easing the pressure on Wembanyaa.

Nevertheless, the Jazz are likely to demand a significant asking price for their star forward. San Antonio has the pieces necessary to make a deal. However, Danny Ainge has a history of putting a significant price tag on negotiations. There's still a chance that Markkanen is priced out of a move to the Spurs, which could allow other teams to strike.

Markkanen would be a fantastic fit next to Wembanyama. Only time will tell if Brian Wright is willing to pay the premium to bring him to Texas.

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