The Utah Jazz and All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen are expected to reach a long-term deal that will take him off the trade market and keep him from becoming a free agent after the upcoming season, The Athletic reported Tuesday.
Rumors of a reported Markkanen trade never materialized this season, and now it appears the Jazz are prepared to sign him to the richest deal in team history — five years and more than $200 million, per the report.
The Jazz engaged in talks with the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs and Sacramento Kings but could not reach a deal for the 27-year-old Finland native.
Should the Jazz and Markkanen complete the deal, he would be under contract through 2029. Per The Athletic, he has told the Jazz of his wish to remain in Utah and be the cornerstone of the franchise.
The No. 7 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Markkanen started his career with the Chicago Bulls before being traded to the Cavaliers as part of a three-team sign-and-trade deal on Aug. 28, 2021, then to the Jazz one year later.
He enjoyed a breakout season in 2022-23 — his first with the Jazz — when he averaged a career-high 25.6 points and 8.6 rebounds and was named an All-Star and the league’s most improved player. In the following season, he averaged 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds in 55 games (all starts), and with a deft touch for a 7-footer, shot 39.9 percent from 3-point range.
He has career averages of 18.1 points and 7.3 rebounds in 403 games (377 starts).
–Field Level Media
