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Many are waiting to learn the fate of Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen this offseason, and it sounds like the popular trade candidate could be staying put for the foreseeable future.
According to Tony Jones of The Athletic, “There are several within the league who have grown more convinced that the Jazz, after exploring Markkanen’s trade market, plan to renegotiate-and-extend Markkanen, using their saved up cap space.”
The 27-year-old is entering the final year of his contract and is set to make $18 million in 2024-25. He becomes eligible for a contract extension on Aug. 6 and is expected to command a major deal after excelling in his last two years in Utah.
Markkanen appeared in 55 games this past season and averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. His versatile skill set makes him attractive to teams looking to contend next season and beyond.
One of those teams was the Golden State Warriors, who have pursued Markkanen amid their attempts to retool following the departure of star shooting guard Klay Thompson.
Jones noted that Golden State’s front office “showed an increased willingness to use their future draft capital in their failed pursuit of Paul George and stalled chase of Markkanen.”
Sources told Jones that the Warriors’ future first-round picks and pick swaps “have some real appeal” because of “the dire prospects of a post-[Stephen Curry] world.” Those picks are “part of what has appealed to Utah in discussions,” but they haven’t been enough to convince the team to ship away the seven-year veteran just yet.
Markkanen could be a difference-maker with the Warriors or another contending team, but he could ultimately wind up with a new deal in Utah.
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