Jazz Reportedly View Lauri Markkanen As Untouchable
The Utah Jazz have some attractive pieces that could be moved at the NBA Trade Deadline; however, All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen will likely remain in place. The Jazz reportedly view Markkanen “as close to an untouchable as a player can get,” according to a report from The Athletic.
Markkanen has been the Jazz’s top player since the franchise traded away cornerstone players Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert to kick-start its rebuild. That success has made Markkanen a heavily desired player around the league.
In his second season in Utah, Markkanen, 26, has averaged 23.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists. That production has come off 49.4/40.0/87.6 shooting splits, as the 7-foot forward would be a great fit for several elite teams pursuing a title.
The Jazz declining to move Markkanen helps the franchise in both the short and long term. Utah is currently tied with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 9th seed in the Western Conference at 24-24. If they move off Markkanen, they will struggle to remain in the play-in picture. More importantly, Markkanen is a perfect player to play alongside young talent. As they develop young talent, Markkanen provides elite floor-spacing and helps the offense remain functional, which highly important for young players entering the league.
The Jazz can afford to keep Markkanen after securing a plethora of first-round draft picks in the Mitchell and Gobert trade. Utah is no longer a team that needs to deal its top asset for future draft capital.
The Jazz will be left with Jordan Clarkson and Kelly Olynyk as hot trade pieces now that Markkanen is off the market. John Collins will likely be shopped as well.
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