The Utah Jazz’s offseason rumblings and conversations for this summer have already begun.
After missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season, many are wondering what comes next for the Jazz and their reconstruction as they enter their third season without Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell. Utah does have certain assets that might help them move closer to contention in a highly competitive Western Conference, but others in the league see the team’s current situation differently.
Instead of approaching the offseason as a buyer, he sees a chance for the Jazz to sell heavily, notably their star forward Lauri Markkanen. He’ll be negotiating a contract extension this summer, and if talks fall through, several teams will be lining up to sign him.
In Dan Favale’s recent post on B/R giving out one trade target for each team this summer, the Golden State Warriors were labelled as a perfect fit for Markkanen, who are in desperate need of new star talent.
“Any move they make should be seismic and clarifying. Lauri Markkanen qualifies. Getting him will be a challenge. The Utah Jazz seem willing to pay him. However, with the young players and the (likely) potential to ship out two firsts and up to four swaps, the Warriors have a diverse set of viable starting positions. Pairing Markkanen alongside Curry, Green, a re-signed Thompson, and, say, Kuminga does not ensure Golden State’s return to the title race… But Markkanen can make the Warriors big up front, as he recently finished his second season averaging over 23 points per game while making more than 55% of his twos and 39% of his threes.
