Report: Kings ‘Went Hard’ After Lauri Markkanen; ‘Growing Skepticism’ Jazz Will Trade Him

According to NBA insider Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Sacramento Kings “went hard” after Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen.

There’s growing skepticism leaguewide that Jazz executive Danny Ainge will actually move on any Markkanen deal.

The Kings acquired DeMar DeRozan from the Chicago Bulls in a sign-and-trade deal involving the San Antonio Spurs. 

“The Kings went hard after the Utah Jazz’s Lauri Markkanen earlier in the week, protecting Keegan Murray in the discussions but putting on the table what they believe was a substantial enough picks-based offer, team sources said,” Slater reported. “But they put a deadline to their side of the deal, needing an answer quickly considering the urgency of the dissolving market. Utah didn’t meet it. There’s growing skepticism leaguewide that Jazz executive Danny Ainge will actually move on any Markkanen deal.”

The Jazz are taking trade calls on Markkanen, who is in the final year of his contract. He’ll make $18 million next season.

If a team wants Markkanen, they must offer Utah a lot since Ainge has set a high asking price. 

Markkanen is one of the top players in the NBA. He 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 field, 39.9% from beyond the arc and 89.9% from the free-throw line. 

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

DeRozan appeared in 79 games for the Bulls in 2023-24. The USC product averaged 24.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.6 blocks while shooting 48.0% from the floor, 33.3% from beyond the arc and 85.3% from the free-throw line.  

DeRozan has career averages of 21.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.3 blocks with the Toronto Raptors, Spurs and Bulls. He’s made three All-NBA teams and six All-Star teams.