The Utah Jazz are reportedly committed now to Lauri Markkanen in leading their future.
The Utah Jazz are compelled to pursue their future with Lauri Markkanen at the front.
Lauri Markkanen
Lauri Markkanen
Lauri Markkanen
MIN: 35.33
PTS: 27.79 (58.07%)
REB: 7.04
As: 2.13
ST: 0.96
BL: 0.42
TO: 1.33
GM: 24
HoopsHype's Michael Scotto recently reported that the Jazz already identified Markkanen as the centerpiece of their franchise, as they hope to continue building around him.
"To my understanding, Utah wants to build around Lauri Markkanen and what they ideally want to do," the NBA insider said. "They have a ton of cap space this summer and plan to use it to make the roster better.
"If they’re going to be in the lottery this year, they hope that’s the last time for the foreseeable future, as they look to start building this thing and make a run."
This 2025-26 season marks the fourth campaign of Markkanen with the Jazz.
Upon his arrival in Salt Lake City, the Finnish forward became one of the league's best, clinching the 2022-23 Most Improved Player and an All-Star nod.
But throughout his time in Utah, Markkanen had to endure the team's rebuild plans following the failed Donovan Mitchell-Rudy Gobert era. It led him to appear in multiple trade speculations in recent years.
But now, the Jazz have assembled a promising young group around Markkanen with Keyontae George, Walker Kessler and Ace Bailey. Despite a middling 10-15 record this season, they've been showing a much better brand of basketball.
Markkanen's signing of a five-year, $238 million contract extension from last year simply shows his commitment to the franchise.
"Big picture, that’s what Utah is thinking. Markkanen draws a ton of interest around the league, but right now Utah wants to hold on to him and really try to make a run for the future, improve the team, and start to win," Scotto concluded.
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