Jazz extend Markkanen on 5-year, $238M deal
The Utah Jazz are extending All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen on a five-year, $238-million contract, his agent told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Wednesday.
After being embroiled in rumors throughout the summer, Markkanen will now be ineligible as a trade piece for the 2024-25 season.
The Finnish forward was linked to the Golden State Warriors, but the Jazz were reportedly set on acquiring sophomore forward Brandin Podziemski in the deal, and Golden State refused.
The Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs were also apparently interested in Markkanen.
The 7-footer has flourished since being acquired by the Jazz from the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2022. Markkanen won the league's Most Improved Player award in his first season in Utah, posting 25.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. His stats fell slightly in 2023-24, averaging 23.2 points and 8.2 boards.
Although the 27-year-old has put up gaudy numbers in Utah, the team has finished 12th in the loaded Western Conference in both of his campaigns with the squad.