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Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen was flattered on some level to be the subject of steady trade speculation throughout the offseason.
The Golden State Warriors in particular made a run at the 7’0″ forward, though a deal reportedly didn’t get all that close.
In an interview with NBA insider Marc Stein, Markkanen said he took the outside interest as a sign of respect after averaging 24.5 points and 8.4 rebounds since joining the Jazz.
“I think [it means] you’ve done things right—that teams want you,” he said. ” … I was able to kind of zone it out and really wait for my agent for what’s real.”
The 2022-23 All-Star added he was able to create some emotional distance between himself and the general uncertainty thanks to being more experienced in the league.
“I went through it once already during my restricted free agency [summer], going from Chicago to Cleveland, so this was easier for sure,” he said. “Contract-wise we couldn’t do anything before August. I knew that, if something happens with [trade interest], my agent will let me know. So I was able to kind of be home with my family and work out and it was easier.”
In August, Markkanen signed a new five-year contract with the Jazz that gave him $220 million in new money. The timing of the extension also means he’ll stay in Utah through at least the 2024-25 season since he can’t be moved before the Feb. 6 trade deadline.
“Obviously I wasn’t a free agent, but it was more I had the ability to do the contract and kind of had the choice,” he told Stein about being able to exert more influence over his short-term future. “I don’t have to do it, but that was something I wanted to get done to stay with the team.”
Markkanen turned 27 in May and the Jazz are a long way off serious contention after finishing 31-51 in 2023-24. There may come a time when it makes more sense to trade the Finnish big man than keeping him as a cornerstone of the roster.
For now, Markkanen at least gets to enjoy a full season in Salt Lake City.
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