The Utah Jazz are “not trading Lauri Markkanen,” according to NBA reporter Ben Anderson of KSL Sports.
“I was told firmly by someone close to the Jazz, ‘We’re not trading Lauri Markkanen,'” Anderson wrote.
Markkanen is one of the best players in the NBA. He averaged 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.4 blocks for the Jazz last season in 47 games while shooting 42.3% from the field, 34.6% from beyond the arc and 87.6% from the free-throw line.
A one-time All-Star, Markkanen has played for the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers and Jazz, compiling averages of 18.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.5 blocks. The big man doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract.
Markkanen, 28, will make $46.4 million this season. He knows his name will be in trade rumors all season since the Jazz are in rebuild mode.
“The rumors (have) already started, but I don’t pay attention to that. Pretty much anybody can get traded in this league,” Markkanen said. “So you just play to the best of your abilities, and enjoy the practices and games and time I get to spend in this facility and with these guys. And if something happens, then we adjust.”
The Jazz had the worst record in the NBA last season. Markkanen has never made the NBA playoffs and he probably won’t achieve that feat with Utah, which is why many people around the league believe the talented forward should request a trade.
“Now, while I’ve been told that the Jazz aren’t trading Markkanen, and Ainge’s comments at media day are to be taken at face value, we know that every player can be had for the right price,” Anderson wrote. “While I don’t believe the Jazz are actively shopping Markkanen, they owe it to themselves to listen to any offers that come their way.”
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