This offseason, the Utah Jazz and star Lauri Markkanen agreed to a four-year, $195.8 million contract. This contract will run through the 2028-29 season. Though this contract felt like a no-brainer, that did not stop numerous trade rumors involving Markkanen from popping up this summer. The Jazz star reportedly had interest from multiple teams, most notably the Golden State Warriors, before officially landing a new deal to remain in Utah. Now, roughly two months after signing a new contract, Markkannen opened up about his eventful summer.
Recently, Markkanen spoke about his offseason and being a popular trade candidate. The 27-year-old was honest, saying “It was a nice feeling” to be wanted by other teams. However, he also made it clear he never planned on leaving Utah, saying that was his main priority (subscription required).
“I think it was about stopping and appreciating how far I’ve come,” Markkanen said. “It was a nice feeling to know that a lot of teams wanted you to play for their franchise. It was kind of a cool thing to be honest. It tells me that I’ve been able to get a lot better as a player. But I tried not to think about it beyond that. I know that I wanted to come back to Utah, and that’s where my priorities were.”
Lauri Markkanen Opens Up About Wild Offseason Trade Saga
Lauri Markkannen’s Career in Utah
The Finnish native has enjoyed a career resurgence since joining the Jazz. In 2022, Utah acquired Markkanen from the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of the blockbuster Donovan Mitchell trade. Since then, he has played phenomenally in Utah. In two seasons with the team, he is averaging 24.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. Additionally, he is shooting 49% from the field and 39.5% from beyond the arc in a Jazz uniform.
Two seasons ago, Markkanen enjoyed the best campaign of his now seven-year career. For the first time in his career, he made an All-Star team. Additionally, he took home the Most Improved Player award for the 2022-23 season.
Markkanen has played the best basketball of his career with the Jazz. However, he has also taken on a leadership role, one he is very proud of.
“I think it’s fair to say that I saw the stuff online, but I tried very hard not to pay attention to it. I’m a big believer in what the front office and the coaching staff are doing,” Markkanen told The Athletic. “I think it’s the people we have around and the environment we have. We have a group of guys that want to get better. “I’ve embraced the leadership role, and my family truly enjoys Utah. We have enjoyed our two years here.”
The Last Word
Last season, the Jazz finished with a 31-51 record. Though this was a six-game dropoff from the prior season, they still ended as the No. 12 seed. The Jazz are unlikely to make any real noise in the NBA this season. However, there is a lot to be excited about in Utah, especially with Markkanen locked up for the long haul.
