Mar 31, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (center) sits on the bench before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

'Most Interesting Trade Candidate in the NBA' – Utah Jazz Star Labeled as One of the NBA’s Top Trade Targets in 2025-26

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 7:05 AM ET

Lauri Markkanen was on the Utah Jazz’s trade block last year before the team ultimately gave him a five-year, $238 million extension, which kicks in at the start of the 2025-26 campaign.

While Markkanen is expected to stay long with the Utah Jazz because of his lucrative contract, there’s a chance that the team might consider fielding trade offers for him this year, depending on how the upcoming campaign pans out.

“By the way, Utah… Team Finland Lauri Markkanen, oh my God. He’s back. If that guy shows up in Utah for the first few months of the season. Sexton, gone. Collins, gone. Clarkson, gone. The writing’s on the wall,” Zach Lowe said on his podcast.

Oct 28, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) moves to the basket past Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

“If that dude rebuilds his trade value, because he’s got a big contract over a lot of years. He is the most interesting trade candidate in the NBA in the next three, four months, if this continues, and if Utah loses as much as I expect them to lose,” he concluded.

Utah Jazz News: Lauri Markkanen is balling for Finland in 2025 FIBA EuroBasket

Lauri Markkanen is a huge reason why Finland are through to the knockout phase of the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket. The Utah Jazz forward helped Finland to a 3-2 record, good for the third spot in Group B.

Mar 27, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) brings the ball up the court against the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

It’s not surprising that Markkanen is among the competition’s leading scorers. The 28-year-old Vantaa native averages 25.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.8 steals on 44.7 percent shooting from the field across five appearances.

Finland will need Markkanen at his best tomorrow when they face the Nikola Jokic-led Serbia in the Round of 16.