3 Players not named Lauri Markkanen Thunder must trade for
By Mark Nilon
![Dec 18, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) looks to drive against Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (28) during the fourth quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports Dec 18, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) looks to drive against Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (28) during the fourth quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_5559,h_3126,x_0,y_242/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/157/01j2t9qzyhqa734dzejm.jpg)
Though the OKC Thunder may have already struck on a few splashy moves this offseason, many fans and sports pundits still find themselves waiting on the franchise to take part in one particular transaction that, if executed, would overshadow them all.
Lauri Markkanen has been a hotly rumored trade target this summer who has frequently been found linked as a prime target for the Thunder organization.
To many, the Utah Jazz star is someone who, if acquired by Sam Presti and company, would make Oklahoma City a legitimate "superteam" when paired alongside the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren.
While there's no denying that a union of such talent would create a strong enough core that could seriously rival that of the reigning champion Boston Celtics', considering the team just came off a 57-25 season and was the number one seed in the Western Conference, coupled with that fact that the price-tag it would come at to acquire the 27-year-old's services would likely be astronomically high, perhaps making such a blockbuster move might not be all that necessary for the Thunder as they look to claim their first NBA title.
Trade targets not named Lauri Markkanen Thunder must pursue
Perhaps a more logical and, frankly, strategic move for this already menacing Thunder team would be to pursue lower-cost trade candidates who, though may not be as sexy of names, could still help boost their odds of contention in a significant way.
Looking at players not named Lauri Markkanen who are rumored to be on the trade block, there are several, in particular, who should absolutely be on the front office's radar.