The Utah Jazz reportedly no longer consider Lauri Markkanen untouchable in a potential trade, but they would maintain a high price.
The Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks and Oklahoma City Thunder are considered to be the three teams who most highly value Markkanen, sources tell Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
“Do I expect Utah to trade Lauri? No,” another general manager told Yahoo Sports. “But they are saying they’re willing to listen. They are willing to listen to calls on everyone, but it’s a matter of meeting their price like Minnesota did for Rudy [Gobert].”
Markkanen will be eligible to negotiate and extend his current contract before its final season begins in 2024-25. Given Utah’s struggles this season and there probable timeline of contention, trading Markkanen at the age of 26 may make more long-term sense for the franchise.
The Thunder own more draft capital than any other team while also possessing the expiring contract of Davis Bertans at $17 million.