Report: Jazz Never Were Presented Offer That Caused Them To Seriously Consider Trading Lauri Markkanen

According to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Utah Jazz never were presented with an offer that caused them to seriously consider trading Lauri Markkanen.

The San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings tried to trade for Markkanen.

“The Jazz had listened on trade scenarios over recent months for Markkanen, but never were presented an offer that caused them to seriously consider moving an All-Star forward in his prime of his career at 27 years old, sources said,” Wojnarowski wrote. 

Markkanen can’t be traded during the 2024-25 season. He signed a five-year, $238 million deal with the Jazz on August 7. 

Markkanen, who had one year, $18 million left on his contract, used the Jazz’s salary cap space to increase his 2024-2025 salary and agreed on another four years and $196 million that included no player or team options.

One of the best forwards in the NBA, Markkanen averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks in 2023-24 for the Jazz while shooting 48.0% from the floor, 39.9% from beyond the arc and 89.9% from the free-throw line.

A one-time All-Star, Markkanen has career averages of 18.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.5 blocks with the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers and Jazz. He won the 2022-23 Most Improved Player of the Year Award with Utah.

“They’ve all showed their belief in me, from the ownership to the front office to Will (Hardy),” Markkanen told ESPN. “It’s a comfortable environment and those guys’ résumés speak for themselves. I trust in the organization to help grow me as a person and a player, to build our team, and I’m ready to take on the challenge.”

The Jazz are 54-67 with Markkanen in the lineup. 

“Once I got traded to Utah, the organization and city immediately embraced me, and it’s been a family-oriented place — especially with me having my own little kids now,” Markkanen told ESPN. “It’s been an easy transition to basketball and easy off the court. I’ve grown comfortable building all of these relationships, and it’s been a great place for me to grow as a person.”