Jazz Expected to Sign Markkanen to Extension Past Trade Date

The Utah Jazz are set to sign star forward Lauri Markkanen to a long-term extension, according to sources reported by The Athletic's Shams Charania.

The agreement is expected to be finalized later this week, making Markkanen untradeable for the upcoming season. The Finnish forward had been at the center of trade rumors, particularly involving the Golden State Warriors.

The extension is reportedly valued at over $200 million for five years.

In his two seasons with Utah, after being traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers, the 7-footer has established himself as a leading scorer. He averaged 25.6 points per game in the 2022-23 season, earning the league's Most Improved Player award and his first All-Star selection. He continued his strong performance by averaging 23.2 points per game last season.

Despite Markkanen's individual success, the Jazz have finished 12th in the Western Conference in both seasons.

The Warriors, along with the San Antonio Spurs and Sacramento Kings, were among the teams most interested in acquiring Markkanen.

Golden State reportedly did not want to include their 2023 first-round pick, Brandin Podziemski, in any potential deal for Markkanen, leading to stalled trade discussions with the Jazz.