Why Jazz should trade Lauri Markkanen after Keyonte George extension

It also makes clear that Utah's front office is very happy with the shape of their young core going forward. George has already started to prove himself as an elite scorer, Bailey earned himself All-Rookie accolades last season, and Peterson comes in as one of the most highly touted draft prospects in recent memory. Locking George in for five years at the first available opportunity is the perfect first step for a franchise looking to set themselves up for a new generation of success.

Finally time to trade Lauri Markkanen?

Between amassing young talent and introducing the veteran Jackson, one question remains around Utah's future: What is the plan for Lauri Markkanen?

The Finnish forward has been the subject of trade speculation plenty of times before, but there is reason to believe that this time could be different. For one, Markkanen does not fit the younger timeline that the Jazz are locking themselves into. The seven-footer will be 30 before the end of this coming season, whereas the oldest of the new young trio is George at 22. Jackson, meanwhile, is two years younger than Markkanen, and has generally shown himself to be more durable as well.

Perhaps more importantly, the Jazz have the assets needed to get a deal done. Utah possesses a plethora of future draft picks after moving Walker Kessler to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier in the summer. One or more of these picks might need to be included as a sweetener in any deal that moves Markkanen, who is undoubtedly a valuable starter in the NBA but who carries with him both a reputation for injury and a hefty contract that could cause GMs around the association to balk at a straight-up trade.

There are teams out there, such as the Detroit Pistons or the Orlando Magic, who might consider themselves one shooter away from optimizing their own rosters, while still having plenty to offer going the other way. If one of them comes calling, one would have to think that Ainge would be more than willing to pick up the phone and listen.

Regardless of what happens with Markkanen, the Jazz are unlikely to be competitive this season — perhaps all the more reason to move him while they can, let the young players cook, and ultimately maximize their upcoming window. If they can get the math right, a Markkanen trade very well might be the last piece of the puzzle that thrusts Utah back into contention.