Utah Jazz: Jordan Clarkson Shares Honest Expectations for Role in 2025-26 Squad 1 Mar 17, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) shoots a technical free throw during the first quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images

'We Hope It’ll be a Long One' – Utah Jazz Anonymous Exec Gets 100% Real on Lauri Markkanen’s Future With the Team

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 26, 2025 6:49 AM ET

The Utah Jazz have been busy offloading some of their veterans this summer, including John Collins, Jordan Clarkson , and Collin Sexton. Despite this, one key name who’s still on the roster heading into the 2025-26 NBA season is Lauri Markkanen.

Markkanen was mentioned in various trade rumors last offseason before signing a new multi-year extension. And according to a Utah Jazz front office member, Markkanen remains on the same page with the team’s rebuilding plans.

“We hope it will be a long one. Seriously, we love Lauri. He’s been great since getting here, and nothing will change with that. He understands what we’re doing and how this team is building. He’s ready to get back here and to get back to work for next season,” the exec told Spotrac’s Keith Smith.

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

“We had a lot of work to do, for sure. When you have as many guys on expiring contracts as we did, plus as many young players, you have to be very proactive. That mindset drove some of our moves this summer,” he added.

Utah Jazz exec reveals team’s true stance on Walker Kessler

The Utah Jazz also have a big decision to make on Walker Kessler, who’s entering the final year of his four-year, $13 million rookie contract next season before becoming a restricted free agent in the summer of 2026. In the same interview with Spotrac’s Keith Smith, the anonymous exec is keen on locking down the 24-year-old center.

Dec 8, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

“We’d love to get Walker signed. We have a whole lot of flexibility, because Lauri (Markkanen) is the only veteran we have on a long-term deal,” the exec explained.

“That will come into play with Walker, too, because he’ll be the next guy on a long-term deal. That’s something we have to be mindful of, as we plan and build our roster out in the immediate and for the future,” he concluded.