With Lauri Markkanen on the trade block for several weeks, the internet has been buzzing about the possibility of the Warriors acquiring the seven-footer via a blockbuster trade. As per the reports, Joe Lacob’s front office has even made a substantial offer to Danny Ainge to pair the Finnish superstar with Stephen Curry. However, GSW’s hopes have come crashing down after Jazz insider Tony Jones gave the latest update about Markkanen’s desire to stay in Utah.

Eligible to sign a contract extension next week, Jones made a shocking revelation about Lauri’s future, “I would expect him to sign on Aug. 7th, or after Aug 6th. Lauri doesn’t want to be traded so I expect him to do it after Aug 6th so there’s no trade talk this year.” Yes, this is definitely not something Dub Nation wanted to hear as they hoped to see Lauri wearing the Warriors’ thread next season.

Moreover, Jones was so sure about Lauri extending his stay in Utah that he claimed, “I don’t even think him signing on Aug 6th is even an option. We’re almost 100% trending towards him signing on Aug 7th.” Although Lauri has been in Utah for only two seasons, he has reportedly developed an extremely close relationship with head coach Will Hardy. More importantly, Will has somehow unlocked Lauri’s potential as his numbers have increased significantly from 14.8 points in Cleveland to 24.5 points in Utah.

“Lauri really recognizes that and appreciates that, and wants to be a part of the rebuild,” Jones added on ESPN700. While Lauri looks in no mood to switch teams, the Jazz also have faith in the 27-year-old star’s growth. Because of his length and elite shooting ability, the Finnish star’s game is expected to get better with time, as it is not solely based on his athleticism.

Just this past season, he shot an impressive 39.9% from beyond the arc. “The Jazz are fully confident that Lauri will still be this version of Lauri, or very close to it, the next time the Jazz are, in fact, good.” So, while this likely shuts the Warriors window, who does Danny Ainge plan on doing further?

Utah Jazz to prioritize “young guys”, especially a KD favorite!

Well, by the looks of it, it seems like the Warriors might not get the superstar they wanted. Although there is still time for the Jazz to finalize a trade and send Lauri to Golden State in exchange for young talent like Brandin Podziemski, along with multiple draft picks, the chances of that happening now are starting to look bleak. “I think we’re trending towards the Jazz NOT trading Lauri. I don’t think there’s a package out there that they are overly interested in,” Jones claimed.

Moreover, the Jazz now look focused on catching a bigger fish, “The likely scenario is Lauri signs on Aug 7th, the Jazz prioritize the young guys during the season, and they try to enter the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes,” Jones continued. While keeping Markkanen in Utah will not make them title contenders next season, he could be a great secondary superstar in case they somehow win the lottery and bag teenage prodigy Cooper Flagg in next year’s draft.

Averaging 16.5 points and 7 rebounds in his senior year at Montverde Academy, the 6’9 Forward is a lock to be the first pick in the draft. And several teams are expected to fight a war next season in the hope of acquiring the five-star prospect.

More so now after Flagg showcased his talent during the scrimmage game against Team USA earlier this month, even garnering appreciation from Kevin Durant himself, “He looked like a hell of a player. He’s somebody that’s only going to get better with more experience. He’s 17 years old coming in here playing like he’s a vet almost. No emotion. Just going out there and doing his job. That’s a good sign.”

And if Lauri Marakkanen is okay with waiting a few more years and being a part of the rebuild with Cooper Flagg, then there might be no need to trade the proven superstar for anybody under the sun. Do you agree?

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.