Lauri Markkanen Reportedly Prefers To Remain With Jazz

July 30, 2024

Forward Lauri Markkanen has heard his name in NBA trade rumors, but if he has his way, he’ll stay with the Utah Jazz.

Per Tony Jones of The Athletic, Markkanen wants to finish what the Jazz have started and be there when things get good.

“Lauri has really taken to Utah. His family has taken to Utah,” Jones said in an interview with ESPN 700, via RealGM. “Obviously the Jazz can trade him between now and August 6, and Lauri knows that, but Lauri has forged a really close relationship to (coach) Will Hardy. And Will has really found a way to unlock his career.”

Markkanen has been linked to the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs and several others in trade rumors. He becomes eligible for a contract extension on August 6 — leading to the speculation that the Jazz could move him.

A contract renegotiation and extension would come with a six-month trade extension. For instance, if he signs an extension on August 6, he’d become trade-eligible on the deadline in February. If he waits until after that, he won’t be trade-eligible this season.

Several Hoops Wire sources said that don’t believe Markkanen will be dealt this year and Jones seemed to echo those thoughts.

Markkanen is on an expiring $18 million contract and due for a big long-term raise.

The Warriors and San Antonio Spurs remain in pursuit of Markkanen, sources told Hoops Wire.

Markkanen averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks in 2023-24, shooting 48.0% from the field, 39.9% from beyond the arc and 89.9% from the free-throw line in 55 games.

He carries NBA 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.