In an offseason trade, the Utah Jazz acquired forward Lauri Markkanen from the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Donovan Mitchell trade.
So far, the Jazz could not be happier with their return in that deal.
Markkanen has far exceeded expectations for this season.
He was thought of as a nice complementary piece on a team heading into the season.
But, he has transformed himself into one of the best players in the Western Conference this year.
Also, the Jazz were expected to be one of the worst teams in the league.
Instead, Markkanen has led them to a record of 24-24 and they are currently the sixth seed in the West.
On the season, Markkanen is averaging 24.8 points and 8.7 rebounds, while shooting 52.1% from the field.
There is no question Markkanen should be a part of the Western Conference All-Stars this season.
Every night it seems like he puts up a monster stat line or a highlight play.
For a team that was expected to tank for the first pick, due to Markkanen that is no longer the case.
Lauri Markkanen’s stats over the last month:
30.6 points
9.6 rebounds
67.7 TS%
50.4/42.3/92.1 shooting splitsIn Utah, Markkanen is blossoming into a star. pic.twitter.com/1cLW7ttP92
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) January 19, 2023
Markkanen seems to be the next player who is flourishing in the right situation.
The Jazz are the third team he has played for in as many years.
But, Utah is looking like his forever home.
He has never averaged more than 18.7 points per game before this season in Utah.
Still only 25 years old, Markkanen is under contract until the 2025 season.
With the way he is going, Utah should be willing to pay up on the future All-Star.
NEXT: Jazz's Biggest Talent Started 2023 Off Right