Let’s cut to the chase: the “All-Star” in question is Lauri Markkanen. To be fair, pretty much every trade rumor is overblown. Reports (different than “rumors”), are typically more accurate.
Ever since the Utah Jazz blew up their core of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert in the summer of 2022, the team has been trying to tank. Markkanen, to his credit, has kept them somewhat afloat.
The Finnish star has averaged 23 points and 7.7 rebounds in three seasons in Utah, shooting an excellent 38% from deep on high volume. If the Jazz were to make him available, they likely would have received a satisfactory offer by now.
GettySALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – DECEMBER 01: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Delta Center on December 01, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Utah Jazz Trade Rumors Are Overblown
The Jazz are in the middle of a rebuild, and until they land a true centerpiece, it’s hard to see them working their way back to the postseason.
Salt Lake City has never been a draw for free agents, and Danny Ainge is willing to be patient. It makes sense that they would eagerly flip their best and most expensive player to the highest bidder, and plenty of reports have emerged that the Jazz are trying to do just that.
One insider, however, thinks differently.
“Despite reports today, I was told bluntly that the Utah Jazz aren’t trading Lauri Markkanen,” posted KSL’s Ben Anderson on October 7th. “While team needs change and everyone is available for the right price, I don’t get the sense that trading Lauri is a priority.”
Anderson could be right. On one hand, the Jazz traded Collin Sexton and John Collins, and waived Jordan Clarkson. On the other hand, they inked Markkanen to a five-year, $238 million contract last summer, making moving him harder.
GettySALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – FEBRUARY 12: Lauri Markkanen #23 and Keyonte George #3 of the Utah Jazz celebrate a play during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Delta Center on February 12, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Jazz Could Build Around Markkanen
It seems very, very likely that Utah will land a high pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Along with Markkanen, polished rookie Walter Clayton Jr., and youngsters Keyonte George, Taylor Hendricks, Brice Sensabaugh, Isaiah Collier, and Kyle Filipowski, the Jazz are only one piece away from completing their young core.
The piece they are missing is rather large and crucial. They need a star.
Luckily, the 2026 draft class is strong, and the Jazz don’t have to pick for position. Headlined by AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer, as well as other players with excellent potential, the Jazz could land a star.
Markkanen is only 28 years old. The rest of the roster is even younger. With four more seasons under his contract, the Utah Jazz should be in no rush to trade their best player.
Unless, of course, they are made an offer they simply can’t refuse.
NBA Trade Rumors Surrounding All-Star Were Overblown