There was a time when it seemed like the Utah Jazz would never part ways with Lauri Markkanen.
The seven-foot sharpshooting forward had a breakout season last year and it felt like he was the future of the franchise.
And while they are still hesitant to move him, Jake Fischer, via NBACentral, is now reporting that “league personnel believes Lauri Markkanen is no longer untouchable, and Utah would be willing to listen to trade offers.”
Fischer added that the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, and Oklahoma City Thunder would show interest in acquiring Markkanen.
League personnel believes Lauri Markkanen is no longer untouchable and Utah would be willing to listen to trade offers, per @JakeLFischer
League personnel believes Sacramento, Atlanta and OKC would show interest in Markkanen
(Via https://t.co/JaNYs4G7cB) pic.twitter.com/KsSAHA0R91
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 15, 2023
That is a big difference from what we were hearing at this time last season.
In 2022-23, he averaged 25.6 points and 8.6 rebounds on 49.9% from the field.
He was a standout performer and got a lot of notice and even his first All-Star selection.
His numbers this season are remarkably close to what he was producing last year so why would the Jazz even entertain the idea of moving him?
Because they have a 9-16 record and are a long way off from being playoff contenders.
Markkanen will be able to negotiate a new deal with Utah before the 2024-25 season and some close to the team feel it would make sense to get rid of his contract before then if they are still having trouble getting close to the postseason.
However, it would take a substantial offer from another team to move him right now.
Could the Kings, Hawks, or Thunder drum up something worthwhile for the Jazz?
Utah has shown that they won’t accept any offer they don’t love and they have done very well on the market over the last few years, especially with that trade that sent Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Any team that wants to land Markkanen better be prepared to put a lot on the table.
NEXT: Jazz Star Guard 'Believed' To Be Available To Trade