Jazz's Lauri Markkanen Reportedly 'Isn’t Not Available' for Trade amid NBA Rumors

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen is viewed as available on the trade market during the 2025 offseason, according to The Ringer's Bill Simmons.

"Around the league, people seem to feel like Markkanen isn't not available," Simmons reported on The Bill Simmons Podcast (1:14:23 mark).

Markkanen still has four seasons remaining on a five-year, $238 million contract that he signed with Utah in 2024.

He was ineligible to be moved for six months after the contract agreement was reached, meaning that he wasn't available ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline during the 2024-25 season.

Now, the Jazz are able to potentially swap Markkanen again.

Utah has its sights set on building for the future, as the team finished with the worst record in the league at 17-65. The Jazz also own the No. 5 overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft.

Markkanen doesn't fit their timeline, although he could be an enticing option for opposing teams looking for an efficient frontcourt scorer despite his hefty contract. His ability to stretch the floor and remain effective without the ball in his hands should allow him to seamlessly fit alongside another star.

Markkanen appeared in a career-low 47 games during his 2024-25 campaign due to back and knee issues, averaging 19.0 points and 5.9 rebounds per game on 42.3/34.6/87.6 shooting splits.

He fared much better to open his Jazz tenure, recording 24.5 points and 8.4 rebounds per game while shooting 49.0 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from behind the arc in his first two seasons with Utah. Markkanen was also selected as an All-Star in 2023.

As Utah begins to navigate through the offseason, the team's star forward seems to be available for a trade.