Lauri Markkanen, the Finnish forward, has been the highlight of the Utah Jazz ever since the 2022-23 regular season. The former MIP has continued to improve his game and finally made the All-Star status this year. However, as he entered the offseason, multiple teams showed interest in trading for Markkanen, offering draft picks and assets. Though Danny Aigne, being the genius executive, didn’t budge on any offer until there was a young superstar on the table. The negotiations had come to a point where teams lost interest except the Warriors. Nevertheless, Golden State’s dreams were recently shattered after Markkanen’s big move.

The 27-year-old signed a five-year $238 million contract extension with the Jazz. Now, Markkanen was going to be making around $18 million throughout the 2024-25 season. But the renegotiation adds another $24 million to his current salary, boosting his next year’s earnings to around $42 million. On top of that, he’s agreed on another four years worth $196 million. Following this agreement, Markkanen will not be tradeable up until the next offseason. But how does this impact Jazz’s cap space?

Well, even after paying a fortune to Markkanen, the Jazz are still well below that first apron. Not only that but the franchise is left with around $10.4 million in cap space. This allows them to sign Johnny Juzang, Drew Eubanks, and a second-rounder. Yes, they do have Collin Sexton, John Collins, and Clarkson to work with outside Lauri Markkanen. They have a solid young roster and building a core this early would only benefit them in the future.

As the Jazz celebrate Markkanen’s long-term commitment, the Warriors may just feel like a failed franchise this offseason. The Dubs managed to add guys like Buddy Hield and Kyle Anderson, but other than that, they had their eyes on Markkanen. Regardless, Markkanen’s commitment gives a lot of room for the Jazz to build a team around. They haven’t been to the playoffs in the last two years and are looking to make a comeback with this young roster.

Lauri Markkanen will be a key player moving forward

Now, the Jazz have three young superstars to work with, while also having Clarkson as a veteran presence. However, will the Jazz look to trade their assets? If the franchise is looking to add a more experienced talent to the roster, the only possible way to go around a trade would be to give away their assets. The Jazz is out of draft picks and it seems that their current roster will have to prove themselves in the upcoming seasons. Of course, they’ll take their time at the end of the day.

Utah will first look to become a playoff contender, led by Sexton and Markkanen. It will be quite the task of relying on the young stars for the future, but then again, it would only ensure the best out of them. It will be interesting to see whether the Jazz looks to add any other players before training camp. What are your thoughts on Lauri Markkanen? Do you think he would’ve been a better fit on the Dubs? Let us know in the comments.

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.