Someone save Markkanen

Post #21 » by **HMFFL** » Mon Nov 3, 2025 1:10 am

He helps the Jazz reach the minimum team payroll amount of $140m. They're roughly $5m over it.

JujitsuFlip · Post #22 » by **JujitsuFlip** » Mon Nov 3, 2025 1:36 am

LarsV8 wrote:He chose the money, he doesn't need to be saved.

/thread

JujitsuFlip · Post #23 » by **JujitsuFlip** » Mon Nov 3, 2025 2:00 am

PlatinumState wrote:Hes a "big numbers on a bad team" type of player. Never been to the 'offs and is 28 already

He did go to the play-in with the Cavs that one time haha

bkkrh · Post #24 » by **bkkrh** » Mon Nov 3, 2025 3:18 am

Well, here is another thought. As a 7 footer, Markkanen had between 4-6 rebounds in 4 out of 5 games. 0 steals in 4 out of 5 games. 0 blocks in 3 out of 5 games. He had a game where he didn´t go to the FT line once. He has the lowest TRB% and ST% of his career.

They haven´t played one decent team besides the Clippers, where you can argue that this team is impacted by a lot of turmoil and lost 3 games against the Suns, Blazers and Kings, 3 teams that aren´t supposed to make the playoffs.

So all that sounds like a player that scores a lot of points on a team without any other scorers while not really playing Basketball focused on winning.

Jazz9 · Post #25 » by **Jazz9** » Mon Nov 3, 2025 3:25 am

Seems like he's perfectly happy playing meaningless basketball for his whole carreer to me.

GameOver25 · Post #26 » by **GameOver25** » Mon Nov 3, 2025 3:34 am

"Don't save him, he don't wanna be saved."

vxmike · Post #27 » by **vxmike** » Mon Nov 3, 2025 4:06 am

JHFVF07 wrote:
LarsV8 wrote:He chose the money, he doesn't need to be saved.

This. He knew what he was signing for. If he wanted to compete he could've picked the FA route. Im pretty sure some good team would sign him for 4 years max. I'm not saying he did wrong in taking the money(I would've do the same), but he cant play the victim card.

He could have also signed a contract that was more tradeable.

Post #28 » by **Senor Chang** » Mon Nov 3, 2025 4:28 am

bkkrh wrote:Well, here is another thought. As a 7 footer, Markkanen had between 4-6 rebounds in 4 out of 5 games. 0 steals in 4 out of 5 games. 0 blocks in 3 out of 5 games. He had a game where he didn´t go to the FT line once. He has the lowest TRB% and ST% of his career.

They haven´t played one decent team besides the Clippers, where you can argue that this team is impacted by a lot of turmoil and lost 3 games against the Suns, Blazers and Kings, 3 teams that aren´t supposed to make the playoffs.

So all that sounds like a player that scores a lot of points on a team without any other scorers while not really playing Basketball focused on winning.

Maybe the question should be “when will Lauri save Utah”, if he was so good.

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SlimShady83 · Post #29 » by **SlimShady83** » Mon Nov 3, 2025 4:34 am

oops this was meant for gamethread too my bad.

bstein14 · Post #30 » by **bstein14** » Mon Nov 3, 2025 4:53 am

He'd be a great floor spacing four for the Pistons but I doubt Detroit would be wanting to give up Ausar due to his elite defense and I don't know if Ivey + picks and a filler would be enough to get the job done.

Chuck Everett · Post #31 » by **Chuck Everett** » Mon Nov 3, 2025 5:09 am

knicksfan974 · Post #32 » by **knicksfan974** » Mon Nov 3, 2025 7:49 am

Dude playing the best basketball of his life in a somewhat lousy team, but I agree with other posters, he most certainly does not need saving. He has indicated that he is very happy living and playing in Salt Lake City, and the team seems to be happy to have him on the roster as well. And even if things would go sour, Markkanen always has his millions and millions and millions to find comfort in.

Actually I think Utah is in a pretty good position going forward. Walker Kessler is one of the better young centers in the league, and Keyonte George has shown promise, as has Ace Bailey. And of course Markkanen is having a great year so far.

Mr Peanut · Post #33 » by **Mr Peanut** » Mon Nov 3, 2025 8:21 am

Not sure a guy making almost 50M a year on a team with no expectations should be defined as needing to be "saved". He willingly signed the contract.

Not all Pistons fans are on board with chasing him but I'd be open to offering Tobias/Ivey/2-3 firsts for him (with light protection on the most distant first).

Sofia · Post #34 » by **Sofia** » Mon Nov 3, 2025 9:20 am

PlatinumState wrote:Hes a "big numbers on a bad team" type of player. Never been to the 'offs and is 28 already

Really not a ‘Chise guy. Ain’t gonna win a c’hip

-Luke- · Post #35 » by **-Luke-** » Mon Nov 3, 2025 9:35 am

To be honest, if Lauri really thought that the Jazz would be competitive soon after he signed that contract (I'm not saying he believed that, just a what-if), he isn't the brightest candle on the cake.

Lockdown504090 · Post #36 » by **Lockdown504090** » Mon Nov 3, 2025 11:04 am

tamaraw08 wrote:
LarsV8 wrote:He chose the money, he doesn't need to be saved.

So you’re telling me, if you were him, you would have taken much less so Ainge can trade you to a team that Danny picks? Really?

he could have asked for a trade while his contract was in dispute and given a list of teams. numerous teams wouldnt trade for him if hes saying he wouldnt re sign.

sisibilio · Post #37 » by **sisibilio** » Mon Nov 3, 2025 12:32 pm

Grant + Scoot + filler

SkyHook · Post #38 » by **SkyHook** » Mon Nov 3, 2025 1:47 pm

peZt wrote:34 points this season, almost in the 50-40-90 club and now Jazz down 20 agains the fricking Hornets without Lamelo after the 1st. Dude finally deserves to be on a serious team.

Get this man to the Spurs

No.

Post #39 » by **cupcakesnake** » Mon Nov 3, 2025 3:12 pm

RookieStar wrote:Which teams needs his skillset the most?

He's arguably the best/most versatile finisher in the NBA right now. The nickname really suits. He's a 6'11" elite shooter, who also puts a ton of pressure attacking the rim, scoring inside 10 feet, getting 2 dunks per game, with the rim % of an elite center.

He's not much of a playmaker for himself or others. Pairing him with good playmakers would maximize him. He's also a big that can't be your primary rebounder and paint protector, so the team he goes to needs a proper center.

Looking across teams, I'd love him most in Detroit. He can run pick & roll with Cade, be the primary weakside guy. He'd provide much needed spacing to that non-shooting frontcourt, while also being such a rim threat next to Cade.

Lauri isn't an amazing defender, but he's proven versatile enough to fit into a defensive scheme and play with various players. He's switchy for his size, and he's a solid secondary rim protector.

I like him in Portland, where that team could simply use more scoring and spacing of any kind.

I could also see him in Charlotte (but that's not a better situation). The Lakers (but they dont really have assets). Denver (but they can't afford him.) Indiana but they already have Siakam, and Atlanta but they already have Jalen Johnson. Those 2 power forwards are the most similar to Markannen. Tons of teams could use his frontcourt shooting: Houston, Milwaukee, Orlando.

zeebneeb · Post #40 » by **zeebneeb** » Mon Nov 3, 2025 3:45 pm

MrBigShot wrote:Knowing Ainge, his asking price is a time machine carrying 1991 Michael Jordan, and 6 unprotected first round picks.

This right here. Utah is asking the moon.

Would be a great fit in Detroit, but you don't gut a young, up and coming playoff team, loaded with talent, for Markkanen.

He is gonna rot in Utah, unless some team gives up the farm.

If Utah wants picks, and a reasonable assortment of players, fine.