Even though they both traded him, the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers knew Lauri Markkanen was a talented player. Yet, the Cavaliers probably didn’t envision ‘The Finnisher’ becoming an All-Star the moment he was traded out of Cleveland.
While Markkanen has taken his game to the next level since arriving in Utah, the team’s rough start has led to questions about the 26-year-old sharpshooter’s availability.
It doesn’t help that Markkanen has just one year left on his contract in Utah, with young players like Walker Kessler and Taylor Hendricks eager to see more floor time. Yet, just because a player is stuck on a franchise that isn’t currently competing for a playoff spot, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re available.
Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype spoke to multiple executives who believe Markkanen wishes to stay in Utah and could even re-negotiate his contract with the Jazz after the season concludes. Right now, multiple NBA executives thought a Markkanen trade elsewhere was simply “wishful thinking.”
With Markkanen posting his second consecutive season scoring north of 20 points per game, it’s no surprise to see teams interested in a trade. Yet, his continued strong play also sets a high price point, and it may be one teams just can’t reach, especially if the Jazz view him as a franchise cornerstone eager to be loyal to Utah.