There have been numerous conflicting reports emerging regarding the Utah Jazz and their long-term plan with Lauri Markkanen. There is an argument that Utah is better off trading him while they have the chance, but there is an argument that he would also be very hard to trade. Not because of his trade value, but because Markkanen has done something not many other Jazz stars have done: embrace Utah.
NBA Insider Jake Fischer said on a Bleacher Report Live Stream that the fact that Markkanen has come to love Utah since arriving there is something the Jazz have definitely noticed, which is why it's not so easy for them to trade him.
"He has enjoyed Salt Lake. He wants to be in Salt Lake. He became an All-Star in Utah, and the Jazz historically have not had the greatest success, if you've paid attention, in retaining talent in Salt Lake City compared to other situations like New York and Miami or Golden State... the fact that they have a star who wants to be there is something the Jazz do not take lightly."
Markkanen loves being here in part because the environment they fostered helped him become the All-Star many believed he could be. It's not so easy to turn on that system when it's bringing the best out of a player. Better yet, Utah rewarded Markkanen for how good he has become since becoming a Jazzman three years ago.
Utah has been through the rodeo of stars wanting to leave, and it's been painful for them every time. The Jazz don't want to have to deal with another Deron Williams situation (made a public stank that led to him and Jerry Sloan leaving) or a Gordon Hayward situation (screwed them over the worst possible way he could).
Having a star who wants to be there, even if it doesn't make too much sense, is quite the convenience. There's bound to be Markkanen trade rumors all season long, but if it doesn't happen, explanations like these explain why.
Utah may also use Markkanen's example to appeal to their young stars
Markkanen may very well remain with the Jazz for the duration of his prime, and that might be design. Because the Jazz have a reputation for losing their stars, keeping someone like him could be a good influence on the youngster to want to stay in Utah as well long-term.
Having Markkanen there and knowing his ascension as a Jazzman could be enough to convince the likes of Ace Bailey or Brice Sensabaugh that their best course of action is to stay with the Jazz. It's not a given that they will, so learning from Markkanen's experience could sell them on staying with the team.
It's very possible that Markkanen will be traded this season, but the only way Utah would sign off on it is if they know 100% that trading him is the best move. Because he loves it here in Utah, which is hard to find among NBA stars who don a Jazz uniform, it's not so certain that shipping him out fits that bill.