Report reveals Jazz's steep asking price for All-Star forward
Lauri Markkanen has risen to stardom with the Utah Jazz since debuting with them in 2017. Despite this, Yahoo! Sports' Jake Fischer recently noted how the All-Star forward isn't considered untouchable by Utah's front office. The Jazz have swung some major trades in recent seasons, most notably the deal that sent Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
According to Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer, executives around the league believe Markkanen's current asking price would likely begin at around five first-round picks or players of a similar value.
"My impression from talking to teams is that it’s something resembling the haul the Jazz received for Mitchell and Gobert: so, five-ish firsts and/or players of comparable value," O'Connor wrote. "This is a lot for Markkanen in the sense that he doesn’t have postseason scoring success like Mitchell, or three Defensive Player of the Year trophies like Gobert."
Markkanen, 26, had a breakout campaign for Utah in 2022-23, ending the season averaging 25.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists, shooting 58.5% from two-point range and 39.1% from three-point distance. His numbers have taken a marginal dip to begin the year, but he's still operating at an All-Star level and will be an intriguing option to multiple teams around the league.
In recent years, there has been a focus on NBA teams adding more shooting with size. Every realistic contender in the league has forwards and centers who can stretch the floor and create for themselves and others. Markkanen could provide that type of production for any team due to his malleability and unique skillset.
However, Markkanen's potential price tag could be enough to scare away any interested party unless they're sold on him being the missing piece to their puzzle. Jazz CEO of basketball operations Danny Ainge is notorious for getting the better end of trade negotiations, and that will also likely play a role in how teams approach Markkanen during the coming months.
The Jazz would undoubtedly be happy to continue their season with Markkanen, especially as they're under no pressure to move on from him. After all, he still has two years remaining on his current contract and has not indicated that he's unhappy. Of course, that won't stop teams from picking up the phone and kicking the tires on his value.
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