At the end of the day, Lauri Markkanen has little control over his future and where he plays in the NBA.
If the Utah Jazz want to trade Markkanen, they can send him anywhere and he will have to accept that.
However, speaking with The Athletic, Markkanen made it clear that he wishes to stay with his current squad.
“I just want to emphasize that I really believe in what we’re building with the Jazz,” Markkanen told Sam Amick.
He might believe in his team but could be forced to build a future somewhere else.
Lauri Markkanen's reported availability in trade talks is a reflection of a modern NBA reality, writes @sam_amick.
But if Utah's star had his way, he would be sticking with the Jazz.
More from Markkanen, unplugged ⤵️https://t.co/t9CSwHSEjN pic.twitter.com/HJBqdv9WgU
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) December 18, 2023
Just last season, it seemed like Markkanen would be with the Jazz for many years to come.
In a season of great change and disappointment, Markkanen was a bright spot and earned his first All-Star selection.
But just last week, reports emerged of the Jazz being open to the idea of trading him away, if the right offer comes their way.
That offer would be a hefty one because the Jazz know that Markkanen is one of the most talented rising stars in the league.
The truth is that a number of teams across the Association would leap at the chance to get Markkanen but it’s unclear if they will provide everything the Jazz want.
Markkanen is currently averaging 23.4 points and 8.4 rebounds but the Jazz are the 12th team in the West.
They may choose to ride out the rest of this season or they could agree to sending Markkanen away if the perfect package is presented to them.
Markkanen is a great team player and will surely be devoted to any franchise he plays for but he wants to stay where he is at now.
Ultimately, that is not up to him.
NEXT: NBA Analyst Reveals Asking Price For Lauri Markkanen