Since being traded to the Utah Jazz prior to the 2022-23 season, Lauri Markkanen has played the best basketball of his career. He was named an All-Star in 2023, and also won Most Improved Player that year. Overall in his three full seasons there, he has averaged 23 points per game, and seven rebounds on 46 percent shooting, and 38 percent from three-point range.
This season, Markkanen is off to a scorching start. He’s averaging 31 PPG on 48 percent shooting and 37 percent from three-point range. He scored 51 points against the Suns during opening week, has four games of 30 or more points, and has not scored below 20 points in a game this season.
With Utah in the midst of a rebuild, and the previous rumblings of them potentially moving Markkanen before, his future with the Jazz could change.
Lauri Markkanen is increasing his trade value by the game
Markkanen found himself in trade rumors in 2024, as the Golden State Warriors, among other teams, were interested in acquiring him. Utah put those rumors to rest by signing Markkanen to an extension, making him ineligible to be traded all of last season.
Now, Markkanen is trade-eligible, and while the Jazz are off to a decent 3-5 start, they are still rebuilding. He is in his prime at 28-years old, and by the time Utah is ready to compete, Markkanen will be in his 30s. Trading him now at peak value will give the Jazz even more assets and draft picks.
Lauri Markkanen may for the Utah Jazz to trade him
His skillset is perfect for the modern NBA. He is a seven-footer that can shoot, and play off the ball. Most of Markkanen’s production as a scorer comes from off-ball actions. Whether it’s spot up threes, or timely cuts, his style of play fits with almost any player.
He can also play both forward positions, and can play center in five-out lineups. He’s not a strong rim protector, so he can’t play extended minutes at the five, but if surrounded with the right personnel, that deficiency can be hidden.
He can guard the perimeter thanks to his agility, and this allows the Jazz to play bigger lineups featuring him, Taylor Hendricks, and Walker Kessler (now out for the season).
The likelihood of Utah keeping up this start are low, as they are a rebuilding team in a tough Western Conference. Trading Markkanen will give them even more assets, and with a stacked 2026 draft class on the horizon, they could add another young difference maker to their core.
