Jazz News: Utah Changes Stance on Lauri Markkanen After Putting 28YO’s Extension on Top Priority, per ESPN’s Wojnarowski

The trade block is in full swing, and we reportedly have our first major U-turn of the off-season. Lauri Markkanen‘s future has been hanging in the balance for a while now and after an impressive personal season, interest in the star is on the rise. This shift in the Jazz’s stance marks a significant development. Even as of last week, Markkanen was seemingly set for an extended stay in the beehive state but now the situation looks much contrasting. With more names joining the free agency and the trade market every hour, the latest update raises considerable doubts about Markkanen’s future.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Jazz are now open to letting Lauri Markkanen leave. “I think it would take a great, great deal to pry him out of there, but Utah’s gotta listen. And I don’t, there’s no shortage of teams who have an interest in seeing just what it might take to get marketing out of Utah,” the NBA insider said on ESPN.

Lauri Markkanen has rejuvenated his career under Will Handy and recorded an impressive 23.2 points per game last season, coupled with 8.2 rebounds. The Jazz reportedly made his contract extension a priority but are now seemingly considering pivoting. Understandably, interest remains high in the Finnish forward should he become available on the trade market.

Markkanen will enter the final year of his contract and this is the prime time to ship their number 23. Given Danny Ainge’s history of trading stars to build a future, Markkanen can serve as a sacrificial piece. Ainge did the same with the Celtics and we all remember how the Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce trade went. Now the Cs have a ring to show for it. While Markkanen does not offer that impact of the aforementioned names, his 2023-24 season showed the value a title-contending team can get from him. But this off-season is different.

Unlike any other year, this year’s free agency market is quite stacked. With the likes of James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, OG Anunoby, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jonas Valanciunas, and more available in free agency, there are multiple possible permutations. But for Utah Jazz the equation is simple; the best bid wins. According to Tony Jones of The Athletic, it might take 4 or 5 first-round picks and a star-caliber player to land Markkanen. Even Danny Ainge knows it is feasible but it’s worth a try, the closest offer can take the forward with them. So which teams can land the All-Star?

Looking at potential landing spots for Lauri Markkanen

The most opportune franchise in the current scenario is the OKC Thunder. They have a whole host of young talents and an abundance of draft picks to parley with. Given the exit of Josh Giddey, Markkanen can be an instance upgrade for them. The other team who can land the 28-year-old is the Spurs. They need some star power around Victor Wembanyama and Markkanen fits the bill. Spurs have most players tied to low-end contracts or on a rookie scale so tabling a respectable offer to Markkanen next year will not be a problem.

Another outsider in the race can be the Rockets. They are in a “Win Now” mode but the biggest downside for them can be their interest in Kevin Durant. If they give back the Suns the picks they lost to the Nets in 2023, then the deal becomes an easy one and Markkanen becomes an afterthought. Need one more? Here’s one. The Charlotte Hornets. Why? They have the one thing the Jazz want, the future draft picks and they added more in the recently concluded draft thanks to the Nuggets.

The addition of two top talents Brandon Miller and Tidjane Salaun in consecutive years gives them the much-needed youth core to get back into contention. Hence, the addition of Markkanen makes sense for both parties. Now that’s it for the speculatory bit as more chaos will ensue once the free agency opens on Sunday. What team will make the best bid to secure Lauri Markkanen this off-season? Comment below

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