The Utah Jazz has been in a busy offseason so far, with multiple players trading.
Colin Sexton, John Collins and Jordan Clarkson were all important players for the Utah Jazz, but the organization decided to blow up the team this summer.
They got Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson as part of a deal that saw Collins move to the LA Clippers, but both veterans were able to leave too.
Under Will Hardy’s coaching, the Jazz has shown a lot of promises, but still finished at the bottom of last season’s Western Conference.
They drafted the controversial Rutgers star ace Bailey, as the fifth pick and rumors plan to continue building through the draft.
NBA insider Brian Windhorst believes that of all the news about the trading, Jazz could end up trading to acquire some more assets.
Lauri Markkanen is one of the most talented players on the jazz roster and was involved in multiple trade talks last season.
However, he signed a four-year, $195 million guarantee agreement last season.
Markanen, who won the 2023 Most Improved Player of the Year Award, did not have the statistically best season with jazz in the 2024-25 campaign.
He averaged 19 ppg and 5.9 rpg, shooting only 34.6% from the 3-point range. All of these are significantly lower than his numbers in the 2023-24 season.
Speaking about his contract with Jazz and his future, Windhorst said: “Markanen signed a massive contract extension before last season, and from what I know when talking to the people around him, his expectations were that the jazz was being rebuilt, but he knew they were hoping they would start a power-up.
“What they seem to be doing here is the ability to chase AJ Dybantsa in the draft.
“Markanen didn’t have the best year last year. I don’t know if it’s not that high that he was worth it like a year ago, like the Golden State Warriors knocking on the jazz door.
Markanen is 28 years old and will only enter his prime, making it more beneficial to his competitors instead of playing for the jazz.
His demands may not be as high as last year, but he helped him compete for the team with his 3-point range and his brilliance from score.
“But I have to wonder what Markanen’s future is. He has a lot of money in his contract, like about 109 million people over the next four years.
“It’s not a clean and simple deal, but I think the Jazz won’t make some calls this season, if not now.
“Their actions show that they are not building towards the teams around Lori Markanen,” added Windhorst.
| season | point | rebound | 3-point shooting |
| 2024-25 | 19 | 5.9 | 34.6% |
| 2023-24 | 23.2 | 8.2 | 39.9% |
| 2022-23 | 25.6 | 8.6 | 39.1% |
The Warriors will certainly benefit from having a player of Markanen’s ability. They already have an expensive roster of Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler, who have already won a total of nearly $120 million.
Plus, they have a decision to make Jonathan Cuminga’s decision, which is not an easy one.
With them all still on the team, it’s hard to imagine Dub being able to afford Markanen, who is set to make $46.3 million next year.
The Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets and Brooklyn Nets could drive Marcanen’s move, but they haven’t seen what the Jazz wants in exchange for star players.