NBA Trade Rumors: Can Markkanen Help Celtics Before Tatum Arrives?

The Boston Celtics transformed from a championship team to a regular mainstay after Jayson Tatum was sidelined for the whole season with an Achilles injury. It's evident in their rocky 5-6 start, which is making them struggle to stay competitive at the moment.

However, there is still hope on the horizon, and that could come in the form of Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen.

Boston Celtics Face Tough Season After Offseason Departures

NBA Trade Rumors: Can Markkanen Help Celticd Before Tatum Arrives?

The Celtics entered this season missing several key names. Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, Luke Kornet, and Kristaps Porzingis all moved on through trades or signings, leaving glaring gaps in both the defense and scoring depth. At the same time, franchise star Jayson Tatum is still working his way back from an Achilles tear that has put a further damper on the team's playoff aspirations.

According to Heavy, analysts predict Boston will use this season to recalibrate, focusing internally and preparing for future roster moves. When Tatum gets back to full strength next year, the Celtics could return to form, provided they finally fill their largest gap: a skilled, floor-spacing big man.

Celtics Linked to Lauri Markkanen

The Lauri Markkanen-to-Boston rumors have made their rounds for months. The 7-footer, a genuinely elite shooter and a solid defender, is the prototype of the modern big man who fits perfectly with the system in Boston. And, of course, if Neemias Queta emerges as a reliable rim protector, Markkanen's offensive spacing could shine a lot brighter alongside Boston's core.

Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix described Markkanen as "born to play in this Celtics system" and theorized that a frontcourt featuring him, Tatum, and Jaylen Brown could "reconstitute a potential Celtics dynasty." But the Finnish star won't come cheap.

Markkanen currently averages 28.3 points and 6.1 rebounds and is under contract for several more seasons on a steep salary near $50 million per year. Any deal would benefit Boston to part with vital assets, which include draft capital, to satisfy Jazz executives Danny Ainge and Austin Ainge.

Proposed Trade Could Bring Markkanen to Boston

Pulling off a trade before the offseason would be complex but not impossible. One mock trade scenario outlines the potential path where Lauri Markkanen goes to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Anfernee Simons, Payton Pritchard, Luka Garza, Sam Hauser, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2031 first-round pick, and a 2032 first-round pick swap.

The trade would give Utah young talent and multiple draft assets, aligning with their rebuild strategy. Boston, meanwhile, gets the elite scorer it desperately needs.