NBA Notes: Jazz, Lauri Markkanen, Hornets, Pelicans

Jazz

Utah appears ready to listen on Lauri Markkanen.

According to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, the Jazz are now “very open” to trading the 28-year-old forward. Utah reportedly turned down an offer from Golden State in the summer of 2024, hoping the market would improve. It didn’t, and now the franchise seems more willing to talk.

Markkanen is owed $46.4 million this season and remains one of the league’s more efficient frontcourt scorers. He averaged 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds and shot 87.6% from the line last year, appearing in just 47 games for a Jazz team that finished with the worst record in the NBA (17-65).

He’s previously played for the Bulls and Cavaliers, and doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his deal.

With Utah firmly in rebuild mode, Markkanen is viewed around the league as a prime veteran piece for a playoff contender. It’ll be worth watching if the Jazz finally pull the trigger this time.

Hornets

Charlotte filled the final spot on its preseason roster by signing rookie forward Eric Dixon to an Exhibit 10 contract.

Dixon was the top undrafted prospect on ESPN’s big board (No. 44) after leading the nation in scoring last season at Villanova. The 6-foot-8 lefty averaged 23.3 points and 5.1 rebounds on .451/.407/.813 shooting splits, earning third-team All-American honors.

The Lakers initially signed Dixon after the draft, but health concerns over a foot injury led to an Exhibit 10 deal instead of a two-way. He was later waived and appeared bound for South Bay, but Charlotte swooped in.

If Dixon sticks with the Hornets’ G League affiliate in Greensboro for at least 60 days, he can earn up to $85,300 in bonuses. All three of Charlotte’s two-way slots are currently occupied.

Pelicans

New Orleans has rounded out its training camp roster by signing D.J. Carton and Trhae Mitchell to Exhibit 10 deals, per Keith Smith of Spotrac.

Carton opened last season on a two-way with Toronto but was waived in December. He’s appeared in eight NBA games, totaling 14 points and six assists across limited minutes. Mitchell spent last season with the Pelicans’ G League affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron, averaging 7.6 points in 50 appearances.

Both players are expected to be waived and join the Squadron, where they’ll be eligible for Exhibit 10 bonuses if they remain at least 60 days.