Lauri Markkanen vs Zion Williamson

Lauri Markkanen scored more in 2025-26, 5.7 points a game apart (26.7 vs 21.0), on Markkanen's heavier usage (26.9% vs 25.0%).

Williamson is the more efficient scorer by true shooting, 64.4% to 60.8%; TS% folds threes and free throws into one number, so the gap survives shot-diet differences.

Playmaking goes to Williamson (3.2 vs 2.1 assists), the glass to Markkanen (6.9 vs 5.7 rebounds).

Availability is part of the comparison: Williamson played 20 more games (62 vs 42 of 82).

With Markkanen on the floor his team outscored opponents by -1.5 per 100 possessions, against -1.9 for Williamson; 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, Williamson $42.2M through 2027-28. Whether either fits a trade is a Trade Machine question, not a stat one.