Since being traded to the Utah Jazz previous to the 2022-23 season, Lauri Markkanen has performed the most effective basketball of his profession. He was named an All-Star in 2023, and in addition gained Most Improved Participant that yr. Total in his three full seasons there, he has averaged 23 factors per recreation, and 7 rebounds on 46 % capturing, and 38 % from three-point vary.
This season, Markkanen is off to a scorching begin. He’s averaging 31 PPG on 48 % capturing and 37 % from three-point vary. He scored 51 factors in opposition to the Suns throughout opening week, has 4 video games of 30 or extra factors, and has not scored beneath 20 factors in a recreation this season.
With Utah within the midst of a rebuild, and the earlier rumblings of them doubtlessly shifting Markkanen earlier than, his future with the Jazz may change.
Lauri Markkanen is rising his commerce worth by the sport
Markkanen discovered himself in commerce rumors in 2024, because the Golden State Warriors, amongst different groups, had been all for buying him. Utah put these rumors to relaxation by signing Markkanen to an extension, making him ineligible to be traded all of final season.
Now, Markkanen is trade-eligible, and whereas the Jazz are off to a good 3-5 begin, they’re nonetheless rebuilding. He’s in his prime at 28-years previous, and by the point Utah is able to compete, Markkanen will likely be in his 30s. Buying and selling him now at peak worth will give the Jazz much more belongings and draft picks.
Lauri Markkanen might for the Utah Jazz to commerce him
His skillset is ideal for the trendy NBA. He’s a seven-footer that may shoot, and play off the ball. Most of Markkanen’s manufacturing as a scorer comes from off-ball actions. Whether or not it’s spot up threes, or well timed cuts, his model of play matches with virtually any participant.
He may also play each ahead positions, and might play middle in five-out lineups. He’s not a robust rim protector, so he can’t play prolonged minutes on the 5, but when surrounded with the suitable personnel, that deficiency might be hidden.
He can guard the perimeter due to his agility, and this enables the Jazz to play larger lineups that includes him, Taylor Hendricks, and Walker Kessler (now out for the season).
The probability of Utah maintaining this begin are low, as they’re a rebuilding workforce in a troublesome Western Convention. Buying and selling Markkanen will give them much more belongings, and with a stacked 2026 draft class on the horizon, they might add one other younger distinction maker to their core.
