John Collins? Traded. Collin Sexton? Traded. Jordan Clarkson? Purchased out.
Lauri Markkanen? It appears to be like just like the veteran ahead is staying in Utah and won’t be traded, Tim MacMahon reviews at ESPN.
[Trading Markkanen] will not be Utah’s intention, sources instructed ESPN. It could be an excessive amount of to explain Markkanen as untouchable, however the Jazz nonetheless venture the All-Star ahead as a key participant of their future core.
Whereas that is what a entrance workplace says when making an attempt to realize leverage and drive up the worth tag on a possible commerce, on this case, there are causes to imagine Utah means it.
For one factor, even when Markkanen bounces again to the type of his first season in Utah — when he was an All-Star and received the Most Improved Participant award — it’s not going to disrupt the clear plan for subsequent season, which is to, how ought to we put this, find yourself with wonderful lottery odds. Secondly, his large wage — his four-year, $195.9 million contract extension kicks on this season, beginning at $46.4 million — makes discovering a workable commerce tough. Lastly, and tied to that contract, Markkanen struggled by way of an injury-plagued final season, averaging 19 factors and 5.9 rebounds per sport, however his taking pictures effectivity was down throughout the board, together with 34.6% from 3-point vary. Groups are going to wish to see the 28-year-old regain his type.
Which is to say, the Jazz are going to attend, play Markannen with their younger stars just like the just-drafted Ace Bailey, Kyle Filipowski (who has seemed unbelievable at Summer time League) and Walker Kessler, and see how issues shake out. On the deadline, possibly the Jazz and one other workforce on the market will really feel otherwise, possibly not, however for now anticipate Markkanen to remain in Utah. The place he has wished to be.
