Jazz exec Austin Ainge shoots down Lauri Markkanen trade buzz

Jazz executive Austin Ainge says Lauri Markkanen isn’t going anywhere, at least for now.

Responding to The Ringer’s Zach Lowe, who predicted Markkanen would be off Utah’s roster within a year, Ainge got straight to the point.

“I don’t agree with that,” he said, via Andy Larsen of the Salt Lake Tribune. “And I love Zach, but look, I’m a huge fan of Lauri. Lauri’s awesome. He’s really good, and Lauri could and hopefully is part of our next team when we’re going up.”

Then came the reality check. “I joke that obviously no one is untradeable,” Ainge added. “If a trade came in for me, I’d convince (Jazz owner) Ryan (Smith) to take it.”

So yes, the Jazz would like to keep their All-Star forward. But Ainge isn’t pretending the league works any other way. Everything depends on the offer.

Markkanen is dealing with a minor wrist bruise from EuroBasket but has been active in camp and looks close to full health.

For now, Ainge says he’s part of the plan. For later, that’s still up for discussion.

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