Lauri Markkanen Trade Reportedly Isn't Jazz's 'Intention' Amid NBA Rumors

Despite parting ways with multiple veterans this offseason, the Utah Jazz reportedly aren't planning to move on from star forward Lauri Markkanen.

According to ESPN, it is not the Jazz's "intention" to make Markkanen available in a trade due to the belief that he is a "key player in their future core."

Utah acquired Markkanen in a 2022 trade that sent All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Markkanen subsequently signed a four-year, $195.8 million contract extension with the Jazz last year.

Originally the No. 7 overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft out of Arizona, Markkanen spent his first four seasons with the Chicago Bulls and one with the Cavs before getting traded to Utah.

While Markkanen showed some flashes of brilliance over his first five NBA seasons, his production was fairly modest, averaging 15.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.2 three-pointers made and 1.3 assists per game.

Markkanen exploded in his first season with the Jazz, though, averaging a career-high 25.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game to go along with 3.0 three-pointers made and 1.9 assists. He also shot 49.9. percent from the field and 39.1 percent from beyond the arc.

That resulted in Markkanen's first career All-Star selection, and he was named the NBA's Most Improved Player.

Although Markkanen was not named an All-Star in 2023-24, he was nearly as good that season as well, averaging 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.2 three-pointers made and 2.0 assists.

The 28-year-old Finn's numbers dropped off last season to the tune of 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.9 three-pointers made and 1.5 assists per game, but injuries likely played a role.

Markkanen was limited to 47 games last season due primarily to a lower back injury, and it was apparent that he wasn't his usual self for much of the campaign.

That contributed to the Jazz being the NBA's worst team with a 17-65 record, and it won't be surprising if Utah is near the bottom of the league again next season.

The Jazz bought out Jordan Clarkson and traded both Collin Sexton and John Collins, meaning they are now without three of their top five scorers from last season.

Utah is clearly looking to develop its promising young players around Markkanen, meaning Walker Kessler, Keyonte George, Taylor Hendricks, Cody Williams, Kyle Filipowski and rookies Ace Bailey and Walter Clayton Jr. all figure to play prominent roles.

ESPN stopped short of characterizing Markkanen as "untouchable," which suggests a trade is something that could be revisited, but for now, all signs point toward the Jazz making Markkanen the veteran centerpiece of a young and promising core.