Lauri Markkanen’ Where I Will Build My Power Dynasty Come NBA Next Season’
If the latest rumor is true, any speculation that Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen might be traded this offseason can be put to bed. According to Jazz beat writer Tony Jones of The Athletic, the price to “pry” Markkanen from the Jazz is pretty steep.
“In a big picture, Markkanen’s value to the Jazz is so great that it’s going to take an offer that is probably not going to come to pry him from the Jazz,” Jones wrote. “Something like four or five first-round picks, and a star-level talent coming over.”
Despite the outrageous asking price, Jazz fans can still expect Markannen’s name to be tied to rumors this offseason. With all the NBA franchises just one player away from contending for a championship, the phone will still be ringing at Jazz HQ.
So, assuming Utah keeps Markkanen, what’s the plan? That remains to be seen, but based on Jazz CEO Danny Ainge’s comments about going “Big Game Hunting”, it should be a very eventful summer.
While Danny Ainge and the Utah Jazz are looking to go “big-game hunting” this NBA offseason, some premier stars available on the market might not be the best fit to pursue even with an opportunity to do so.
A few big names will be up for grabs during this summer’s free agency period, and the Jazz might be in a position to spend.
With close to $40 million projected in available cap space, Utah can send out a couple of ambitious offers in hopes of landing a big fish in SLC if the right opportunity is on the table.
However, some of these top options aren’t a perfect match in Utah.
When plugging in some potential free agency fits and misfits, Bleacher Report pinned the Jazz as the worst spot for Los Angeles Clippers F Paul George to sign, further describing what would be some notable gaps both contractually and timeline-wise.