(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
The NBA’s hot stove is heating up with rumors swirling around Utah Jazz former All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen.
There is little doubt that the team seeks to keep him with a contract extension, but the front office is believed to be considering strong proposals to pry him loose.
NBA expert Evan Sidery reported that the Jazz are open to trade offers for Markkanen.
Sidery explained that the team “was seriously in on acquiring Mikal Bridges, and now teams wonder if they will pivot to sell.”
But Bridges was shipped to the Knicks from Brooklyn, and many around the league contemplate if the Jazz are preparing to part with pieces surrounding Markkanen or to build the franchise around him.
The Jazz are open to listening to trade offers on Lauri Markkanen, per @wojespn:
– Utah was seriously in on acquiring Mikal Bridges, and now teams wonder if they will pivot to sell.
– Utah would like to keep Markkanen “in a perfect world,” but teams are preparing aggressive… pic.twitter.com/SjWXmDuhVA
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 29, 2024
The insider added that “in a perfect world,” the team would like to retain Markkanen’s services, but it is prepared to field what are believed to be aggressive offers from other clubs.
And Sidery reported that it would take a “great, great deal” to get Markkanen from Utah.
The Finland native averaged an impressive 23.2 points per game in the last campaign and pulled down an average of 8.2 rebounds.
He would certainly be a fine piece to add for many squads needing help in the frontcourt, but the asking price is expected to be high.
The 27-year-old, likely entering the prime of his career, is about to begin the final year of his contract with Utah.
The Jazz acquired him in the blockbuster trade that sent Donovan Mitchell to Cleveland, and it is arguable who fared better from the momentous deal.
The post Jazz Are Reportedly Open To Trade Offers For Star Player appeared first on The Cold Wire.