3 takeaways from Marc Stein's latest report on Lauri Markkanen & the Jazz
By Matt John
For the next two days, all eyes will be on what the Utah Jazz's decision will be regarding Lauri Markkanen's future. While there has been buzz that they're willing to trade him, they're not going to do that unless a real haul comes back for him.
NBA Insider Marc Stein first revealed that the Jazz sent personnel to Finland to conduct workouts with Markkanen and Keyonte George.
"The Jazz recently sent multiple coaching staff representatives to Finland to assist Markkanen in workouts with rising Jazz guard Keyonte George. The team has even been posting pictures of those on-court sessions all week via social media."
Stein then explained why this is relevant knowing what else is going on.
"More than one rival team consulted said it agreed with my personal read that it just got harder to see Utah abruptly turning around and trading him immediately in the wake of helping to facilitate training sessions in faraway Markkanen's home country."
Stein also re-affirmed the Warriors' interest in Markkanen while adding that they are not budging off their current offer.
"The Warriors, as of Sunday, continued to be regarded as the league's most ardent Markkanen suitor ... but at the same time still unwilling to surrender Brandin Podziemski in a trade package for the 7-foot Finn. Golden State, to date, has pursued Markkanen without including Podziemski or Jonathan Kuminga in trade packages laden with future draft compensation. Obviously no team, to this point, has met Danny Ainge's asking price."
While there aren't exactly any new twists in here there are a few takeaways from Stein's report.