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Lauri Markkanen was a constant in trade rumors during the 2024 offseason before signing a five-year, $238 million renegotiate-and-extend contract with the Utah Jazz. After a disappointing 2024-25 season where his PER dropped from 21.2 to 15.6, Markkanen was conspicuously absent from trade rumors. If Markkanen has a bounce back season following his impressive performances in EuroBasket, Zach Lowe contends the Jazz could 

"If that dude rebuilds his trade value, because he's got a big contract over a lot of years, he is the most interesting trade candidate in the NBA," said Lowe on his podcast. "In three, four months, if this continues and if Utah loses as much as I would expect them to lose."

ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported in March that the Jazz promised Markkanen "a timely turn toward competing" when signing the extension in August 2024. The Jazz have further stripped down their roster this offseason in a competitive Western Conference.

Markkanen is signed through the 2028-29 season and is 28 years old.

Via Zach Lowe/The Ringer

Yeah, I heard Zach Lowe say this and I disagree completely. Lauri is good, but he's overpaid. He's owed $196m over the next four seasons. In his 8 8 years in the NBA he's looked like a $40m for about a season and a half. I am interested to see how his career develops, but I have a hard time believing he'll ever be the most interesting anything.

Lauri thrives with pgs that can get him the ball in scoring position. He struggles against double teams and is not great at creating for himself.

The loss of Conley explains a lot. In the right environment with good passing he thrives.

Utah has the most turnover prone, poorest passing team in the NBA (or did last year), so of course Lauri did not look great.

Look at his Euro highlights, it is mostly passing to get him in good position to drive or score. He rarely creates for himself.

TheSeeker wrote:Lauri thrives with pgs that can get him the ball in scoring position. He struggles against double teams and is not great at creating for himself.

The loss of Conley explains a lot. In the right environment with good passing he thrives.

Utah has the most turnover prone, poorest passing team in the NBA (or did last year), so of course Lauri did not look great.

Look at his Euro highlights, it is mostly passing to get him in good position to drive or score. He rarely creates for himself.

He isnt worth near max money but I think he is a good player.. a third wheel on a good team maybe but usually you want those guys to also be strong defenders which kinda makes Lauri probably worth more Myles turner money if not less..

If that dude rebuilds his trade value, because he's got a big contract over a lot of years, he is the most interesting trade candidate in the NBA,"

Massive If.