Kings send ‘substantial’ offer to Jazz for Markkanen

The Sacramento Kings finalized a trade for six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan on Saturday, but before acquiring the star forward from the Chicago Bulls, they had their eyes on someone else.

Anthony Slater of The Athletic reports that the Kings “worked hard” after Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen before landing DeRozan:

“The Kings pushed Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz earlier in the week, protecting Keegan Murray in the talks but putting what they believe is a substantial enough pick-based offer on the table, team sources said,” Slater wrote. “But they have put a deadline on their part of the deal, needing a quick response given the urgency of the dissolving market.”

Sacramento’s eagerness to add another star was their salvation, as waiting for Markkanen to become available would have been their end. Despite rumors surrounding Markkanen’s availability on the trade market, no one should be surprised if Utah ultimately decides to keep him and sign him to a long-term extension.

Slater reports that the Kings were determined to keep rising star Keegan Murray out of trade talks, as the 23-year-old is certainly a big factor in their future plans.

A new core of De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk, Keegan Murray, DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis is one of the most talented rosters in the league on paper, but fans will have to wait and see if it translates into the playoff success Sacramento has wanted for two decades.

A trade for Markkanen would have been a game-changer for the franchise, but with that possibility out of the way, DeRozan is one of the best options to replace him. The Kings are arguably in a better position now than they were two weeks ago.

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