NBA Rumors: Lauri Markkanen Trade Seen as ‘Difficult’ by Insiders Because Of Contract

Some NBA teams believe the Utah Jazz would have a “difficult” time finding a potential trade destination for Lauri Markkanen, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

“More than one rival team has shared the observation that it would be difficult for the Jazz to trade him in the short term — even if they wanted to,” Stein wrote.

Markannen is currently set to play the 2024-25 season on an expiring $18 million contract before hitting unrestricted free agency next summer.

“It obviously complicates Jazz efforts to get a trade package in return for Markkanen on the level of Brooklyn’s haul for Mikal Bridges when Markkanen is not under team control for more than a season and when his salary is relatively low,” Stein wrote. “They have a much better chance to command a Bridges-style offer filled with future draft picks like New York agreed to furnish the Nets if Markkanen, 27, is signed to an extension.”

Markkanen followed up his Most Improved Player win by averaging 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds in 55 starts for the Jazz last season.

In addition to Bojan Bogdanović, the Nets received a haul of draft capital in the Bridges trade, including five total first-round picks (four unprotected, one top-four protected), a unprotected pick swap, and a second-round pick.

HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported earlier this week that “the leaguewide belief is that the Jazz would only consider moving Markkanen for a sizable trade package similar to what the Knicks gave up” to acquire Bridges.

But Bridges is currently signed on for two more seasons and an average of $24 million per year, whereas Markkanen does not have the same certainty.

On Markkanen’s current salary, NBA restrictions limit his extension to a salary worth about $27 million, so the Jazz will need to renegotiate his deal before extending him. The negotiation window opens August 6 for an extension that could reach four years and $113 million (per Forbes’ Morten Stig Jensen, Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer and ESPN’s Bobby Marks.)

Scotto reported that the Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves and New Orleans Pelicans have “expressed interest” in a Markkanen trade. ESPN’s Zach Lowe has mentioned the Miami Heat as another potential suitor.

But Fischer reported earlier this week that Utah “prefers to keep Lauri and re-negotiate and extend him.”

“They can’t do that though, until August 6th,” Fischer said. “So, why not spend the next month fielding offers?”

Utah holds a stockpile of first-round picks in the next few drafts. Trading Markkanen and receiving even more could help accelerate a rebuild, but it sounds like any potential agreement would likely have to wait for the Jazz star’s potential extension in August.