According to NBA insider Sam Vecenie of The Athletic, the Utah Jazz are not expected to trade Lauri Markkanen this season.
The price tag on Markkanen is so high that it has effectively taken him off the NBA trade market.
“Meanwhile, the price tag on Markkanen is so high that it effectively takes him off the market, especially with how well the Utah Jazz have played recently,” Vecenie wrote.
Markkanen is averaging 23.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.7 blocks this season while shooting 49.2% from the field, 39.5% from beyond the arc and 86.7% from the foul line. The one-time All-Star is making $17.3 million.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz Updates
Markkanen’s salary for next season is partially guaranteed. The Jazz are expected to sign Markkanen to a new contract after this season.
During an interview with NBA reporter Sam Amick of The Athletic, Markkanen talked about seeing his name in Jazz trade rumors.
“Yeah. And I’ve been traded, I guess, technically three times with draft night included,” Markkanen said. “Sometimes I knew about it. Sometimes I didn’t. So I kind of learned the business side of basketball. I’ve kind of learned to just go day by day and really put the work in and try to play to the best of my abilities and whatever happens happens, really. Like I said, I love being in Utah and it’s a compliment of what you’ve done in the past (that teams have interest). We’ll see. But yeah, I just want to emphasize that I really believe in what we’re building here with the Jazz. Go day by day. Do your best. That’s all you can do.”
The Jazz are 21-20 on the season. They are in ninth place in the Western Conference standings. Markkanen and Co. are one of the hottest teams in the NBA. Utah is currently on a five-game winning streak.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz Updates
Markkanen has career averages of 17.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.5 blocks with the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers and Jazz. He won the Most Improved Player of the Year Award last season.
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