If there is one person who enjoyed watching Lauri Markkanen's dominance at EuroBasket for Finland this summer, it was Danny Ainge. If Markkanen's play from the summer carries over into the start of the regular season in a few weeks, the Utah Jazz's phone will be ringing with teams asking if the 28-year-old is available.
Zach Lowe said on "The Zach Lowe Show" that he "can't imagine a scenario where Lauri Markkanen is on the Jazz in a year." Lowe not-so-jokingly added that Markkanen must be looking around at Utah's roster, wondering who all his new teammates are.
What Lowe meant was that Markkanen is too good to stay with a rebuilding Jazz squad. It's time for Ainge (and his son) to work some of his magic, starting a bidding war for Markkanen that will result in Utah adding more treasure to its draft capital chest.
Lowe pointed out that the Jazz "blew the situation" by not trading him last offseason before he signed a five-year, $238 million extension. His value tanked last season because he didn't play for half of it due to injuries (with a side of tanking). Markkanen averaged 19 points (his lowest since arriving in Utah), 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game in 47 contests.
Will the Jazz trade Lauri Markkanen this summer?
The easiest way for Markkanen to prevent potential suitors from focusing too much on his contract and what he's owed is for him to get off to a hot start. Lowe said that everyone he talks to loves Markkanen because he can fit anywhere. They don't love his contract, but it's not enough to deter them.
You can bet that the teams who have had their eye on him noticed how he looked at EuroBasket. It was hard not to notice. That version of Markkanen is scary good and would be a huge boost to a team trying to win a championship.
Lowe said that his favorite Markkanen destination is Detroit. A year ago, the idea of the Pistons winning a title was laughable, but they had a bounce-back season after a disastrous one. The East will be wide open next season, aside from the Cavaliers and Knicks, so the Pistons could boost their odds by getting Markkanen. Ainge needs to capitalize on that kind of desperation.
Yes, it will sting if the Jazz lose their best player, but it's all part of the business. Markkanen isn't meant to stay in Utah.