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Potential Pistons Trade Target Lands Major Extension

Lauri Markkanen could've been a trade target for the Pistons, but the veteran made a critical move on Wednesday.
Justin Grasso|
Nov 23, 2022; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) tries to shoot the ball over Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) during the second half at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2022; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) tries to shoot the ball over Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) during the second half at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports | Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

This week, the Utah Jazz were expected to make a critical decision regarding Lauri Markkanen.

As the sharpshooter has been in line for a long-term extension, many expected Markkanen to land a big payday this offseason after becoming Utah’s top scorer over the past two seasons.

On Wednesday, the Jazz officially locked Markkanen in.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Markkanen signed a five-year deal with the Jazz. The deal is expected to exceed $230 million over that time.

The Jazz look forward to keeping Markkanen on board as he’s become a key piece to the franchise after they landed him in a deal for Donovan Mitchell.

At the start of the offseason, Markkanen’s status in Utah was in question. At one point, it seemed Markkanen could be on the move once again.

Considering the moves the Detroit Pistons made this offseason, Markkanen could’ve been a potential target for the rebuilding franchise. As Detroit prioritized landing veteran shooters, Markkanen fit the description. He’s been a 38 percent shooter from three since 2017 and has averaged seven rebounds per game throughout his career.

The 27-year-old veteran wouldn’t have come cheap, but he could’ve been a solid piece to add to Cade Cunningham’s offense.

At this point, Markkanen’s interested suitors will have to wait to talk shop with the Jazz again. With Markkanen signing his deal this week, he isn’t eligible to get traded before the 2025 deadline. Therefore, he’s guaranteed to play for the Jazz through the entire 2024-2025 season.

The pressure is now on Utah to satisfy the veteran forward, who grew to become an All-Star since joining them in 2022.

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Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Justin Grasso was a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s 76ers On SI Network. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writers Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoMedia

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