A Decision Has Been Made on Trading Lauri Markkanen
Amid a busy offseason, the Utah Jazz have made a final decision regarding Lauri Markkanen's future with the team. The Finnish big man has been one of the best players on the roster since he joined the West team from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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Markkanen was named as a potential trade target for multiple contenders in recent seasons, including the Golden State Warriors before they traded for Jimmy Butler, the Los Angeles Lakers before they landed Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns before they completed a trade for Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks in a seven-team exchange.
The market appears to be strong for the 2022-24 Most Improved Player of the Year, who averaged 19 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game, shooting 42.3% from the field, 34.6% from deep and 87.6% from the free-throw line.
The Jazz switched their approach and parted ways with several veterans, such as Jordan Clarkson, John Collins and Colin Sexton, to open room for their young players.
Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen© Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images
Tim MacMahon of ESPN reports on Tuesday that all those moves made people within the league wonder if the Jazz were willing to part with Markkanen, too. With Austin Ainge taking over as the primary decision-maker, some thought they could take advantage and pull off a move for the veteran.
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"That is not Utah's intention, sources told ESPN," MacMahon wrote. "It would be too much to describe Markkanen as untouchable, but the Jazz still project the All-Star forward as a key player in their future core."
During his eight-year NBA career, Markkanen became a one-time All-Star and a member of the 2017-18 All-Rookie Team. At 27, he's just entering his prime and if the pieces click for the Jazz, he could be ready to lead them to contend in a couple of years.
Related: Jazz Coach Speaks Out on Benching Walter Clayton Jr. For Being 'Nonchalant'
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
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