not. Yes, you can trade draft picks for players. You can also sell options. But in both cases you're selling a gamble. You're selling potential. Just as financial advisors recommend having a diversified portfolio, I think it's wise to have diversified assets in the NBA. That's why I'm guessing the jazz don't want picks alone for Lauri. I think no trade happened with Sacramento because the jazz wanted Keegan Murray. They already have a ton of picks. The jazz can be patient. They can restructure and extend Lauri and there will be a different set of teams interested in trading for him at the deadline or next summer.

That being said. I think the jazz' own 2025 pick is their best asset. They have to be awful this next season to ensure it's a top 5 pick. Trading Lauri now helps that cause. If they R&E his contract, he has to be willing to sit out a bunch of games.