Since being traded to the Utah Jazz previous to the 2022-23 season, Lauri Markkanen has performed one of the best basketball of his profession. He was named an All-Star in 2023, and likewise received Most Improved Participant that yr. General in his three full seasons there, he has averaged 23 factors per sport, 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 under 20 factors in a sport 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 might 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, have 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.Â
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 He’s in his prime at 28-years outdated, and by the point Utah is able to compete, Markkanen will likely be in his 30s.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 property and draft picks.
Lauri Markkanen could for the Utah Jazz to commerce him
His skillset is ideal for the fashionable 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 suits with virtually any participant.
He also can play each ahead positions, and might play middle in five-out lineups. He’s not a powerful rim protector, so he can’t play prolonged minutes on the 5, but when surrounded with the correct personnel, that deficiency will be hidden.
He can guard the perimeter due to his agility, and this permits the Jazz to play greater 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 crew in a troublesome Western Convention. Buying and selling Markkanen will give them much more property, and with a stacked 2026 draft class on the horizon, they might add one other younger distinction maker to their core.
