Lauri Markkanen vs Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic scored more in 2025-26, 1.0 points a game apart (27.7 vs 26.7), on Jokic's heavier usage (28.9% vs 26.9%).

Jokic is the more efficient scorer by true shooting, 67.0% to 60.8%; TS% folds threes and free throws into one number, so the gap survives shot-diet differences.

Playmaking goes to Jokic (10.7 vs 2.1 assists), the glass to Jokic (12.9 vs 6.9 rebounds).

Availability is part of the comparison: Jokic played 23 more games (65 vs 42 of 82).

With Jokic on the floor his team outscored opponents by +10.8 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: Markkanen $46.1M through 2028-29, Jokic $59.0M through 2027-28. Whether either fits a trade is a Trade Machine question, not a stat one.