Jazz insider reveals startling twist in potential Lauri Markkanen contract extension

There's not really a clear indication of what the Utah Jazz's plans are long-term. However, a clearer picture regarding Markkanen's future with the team is starting to get painted, but it might not be what fans want to hear.

The Athletic's Tony Jones revealed during his July 29 appearance on ESPN 700 that Markkanen is fully intent to sign an extension with Utah. More than that, when he does, it'll prohibit any potential trade until the 2025 NBA Offseason.

"I would expect him to sign on August 7, or after August 6. Lauri doesn't want to be traded," Jones said. "I expect him to do it after August 6, so there's no trade talk this year. I don't even think him signing on August 6 is even an option. We're almost 100% trending towards him signing on August 7."

Lauri likes playing in Utah

Jones explained that Markkanen has liked playing for Utah since they acquired him in 2022.

"Lauri really has taken to Utah. His family has taken to Utah. Obviously, the Jazz can trade him between now and August 6, and Lauri knows that, but Lauri has forged a really close relationship with Will Hardy. And Will Hardy has really found a way to unlock his career in a manner that hasn't been accomplished before, and Lauri really recognizes that and appreciates that and he wants to be a part of the rebuild."

Before the Jazz acquired him, Markkanen showed flashes of the All-Star he's become, but with no one ahead of him in the pecking order, he has shown what he looks like with the right coach and by extension, the right way to utilize him.

Since Markkanen has found his stride in Utah, it makes sense that he doesn't want to leave.

Why the Jazz want to keep Markkanen

"From the Jazz perspective, they look at Lauri and say, 'He is 27. His game is not predicated on athleticism or as athletic as he is. His game should age well, meaning that the Jazz are fully confident that Lauri will still be this version of Lauri, or very close to it, the next time the Jazz are, in fact, good."

While many will say the best option is to build through the draft, there are no guarantees that the Jazz will get the pick they want or that the players they go after will pan out as well as Markkanen has. Could there be better young talent out there than Markkanen? Of course there is, but there's no guarantee that the Jazz will find them.

Markkanen's extension won't interfere with Jazz's intentions to tank

Even though Markkanen's not going anywhere, Jones said that Utah's primary goals are to develop their young talent while going for the golden prospect who will be available to draft next year.

"The likely scenario is Lauri signs on August 7, the Jazz prioritize the young guys during the season, and they try to enter the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes in 2025."

With Markkanen, the Jazz are one notch ahead of being bad. At the same time, they're not nearly good enough to reasonably make a viable run to the playoffs. They will have plenty of competition for Flagg, but they're not too good to be out of the league of the NBA's bottom dwellers.

There's a compelling case that the Jazz should keep Markkanen, and there's a compelling case that they should trade him. Though Markkanen appears to be staying in Utah for the time being, there's no telling if he'll be a mainstay.

The bottom line is that he doesn't want out and the Jazz are not trading him. Whether or not this is the best move is something that no one can determine for the next several years.