Jazz F Lauri Markkanen ‘No Longer Untouchable’ per Report
The rumor mill is heating up regarding the Utah Jazz. The latest comes from NBA Insider Jake Fischer from Yahoo Sports, stating All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen is no longer considered untouchable by Utah’s front office.
Fischer made his claim in his article written on Friday.
“And yet the Jazz are mired in an 8-16 start, prompting several teams to phone Utah’s front office in order to gauge its willingness to move Markkanen, sources said. The Jazz are by no means expected to trade the 7-foot sharpshooter at this juncture. He’s been a true favorite of Jazz officials, sources said. But Utah has indeed left opposing executives with the sense that Markkanen is no longer untouchable in trade conversations, league sources told Yahoo Sports, a tangible change from previous transaction windows. Markkanen will be eligible to negotiate and extend his current contract before its final season begins in 2024-25. And there’s a sentiment among cap strategists that Utah perhaps won’t consider Markkanen’s next salary point a worthwhile cost if the Jazz are so far from the playoff picture with Markkanen as their best player. But it would surely take a massive haul for some team to pry the 26-year-old from the Jazz.”
A Markkanen trade would be a lot to take in for Jazz fans. Considering Utah’s best player is entering his prime and doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon would make it a tough pill to swallow.
That said, Markkanen thus far has had a career riddled with injuries and would require a king's ransom in return. Utah may be willing to break it all down if the right offer were to come along.
Also, keep in mind NBA prospect Cooper Flagg will be available in the 2025 NBA draft. The Jazz may have their eyes set on going full tank mode for two seasons in a quest to get the No. 1 pick in 2025.
Flagg may not have the hype that Victor Wembanyama had in 2023, but he’s a close second. Trading Markkanen would put Utah in the running for Flagg’s services. However, keeping Markkanen would most likely make obtaining Flagg a long shot. My money is on Utah sticking with its All-Star power forward.
Markkanen becomes an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2025 with a max contract looming. It should be an extension or trade at some point this season. Jazz fans can expect the rumors to keep coming as the playoffs get more out of reach.
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