Jalen Johnson vs Lauri Markkanen

Lauri Markkanen scored more in 2025-26, 4.2 points a game apart (26.7 vs 22.5), on Markkanen's heavier usage (26.9% vs 26.4%).

Markkanen is the more efficient scorer by true shooting, 60.8% to 58.1%; TS% folds threes and free throws into one number, so the gap survives shot-diet differences.

Playmaking goes to Johnson (7.9 vs 2.1 assists), the glass to Johnson (10.3 vs 6.9 rebounds).

Availability is part of the comparison: Johnson played 30 more games (72 vs 42 of 82).

With Johnson on the floor his team outscored opponents by +3.2 per 100 possessions, against -1.5 for Markkanen; on-court net rating carries the teammates with it, so read it next to PIE.

On the books for 2026-27: Johnson $30.0M through 2029-30, Markkanen $46.1M through 2028-29. Whether either fits a trade is a Trade Machine question, not a stat one.