The Utah Jazz made a huge mistake by not trading Lauri Markkanen when his value was at its highest, and now he’s on one of the worst contracts in the NBA. Markkanen is under contract through the 2028-29 season, slated to make $46.4 million, $46.1 million, $49.8 million, and then $53.5 million.
To make matters worse, Markkanen is coming off a rough shooting season. This past season, Markkanen shot just 42.3% from the field and 34.6% from behind the three-point line. Considering his value beforehand was as an uber-efficient scorer and three-point shooter, those numbers are brutal.
Now, who knows what his real value is?
What Lauri Markkanen trades did the Jazz decline?
Markkanen just wrapped up his third season in Utah, and for the two years prior, he was firmly planted in trade rumors. He shot an impressive 39.1% and 39.9% from distance on high volume. At his size (7-feet), that level of shooting is very desirable for teams looking to contend for a title.
And before the Jazz handed him his new extension, he was on a very reasonable contract. But now, all of that leverage is gone, and the Jazz reportedly declined some hefty trade offers along the way.
According to Shams Charania, Tony Jones, and Anthony Slater, all of The Athletic (at the time), the Jazz set a monstrous asking price for Markkanen.
The Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs, and Sacramento Kings were all frontrunners hoping to land Markkanen, with the Warriors even reportedly offering a huge haul.
“The Jazz held Markkanen trade conversations with several serious suitors over the last month, including the San Antonio Spurs, Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors,” the article wrote. “The Warriors made the most aggressive offer, centered around Moses Moody, multiple first-round picks, pick swaps and second-rounders, team sources from both sides said. Utah wanted Brandin Podziemski in any theoretical deal.”
Why are the Jazz in a bad spot now?
With how mediocre Markkanen shot this past season, it seems unlikely that the Warriors would offer that same package to them now. And to make matters worse, any team trying to trade for Markkanen will have to match his salary. That’s not an easy task.
Plus, with how worried teams around the league are about aprons, adding Markkanen’s salary to their books is a daunting reality. If he doesn’t shoot the ball well, that’s a disastrous contract.
Maybe the perfect offer wasn’t out there, but by not trading Markkanen when his value was through the roof, the Jazz have put themselves in a pretty ugly situation due to the size of his new contract.
He’s best suited as a complementary piece, and the Jazz paid him like a superstar.