Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen is reportedly attracting interest from the Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
Fischer also noted that the Jazz “welcome calls” for Markkanen, meaning he could be placed in a trade at some point this offseason.
The interest from the Wolves and Kings comes as rumors of interest in Markkanen emerge from the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs, two teams that are likely out of the playoff race next season.
Markkanen, 27 and entering his eighth season, has become an All-Star-caliber player since joining the Jazz ahead of the 2022-23 season. Last year, he averaged 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game while guiding a struggling Jazz team.
Markkanen will make $18.04 million this season before hitting free agency in a year.
It’s safe to say that adding Markkanen could make the Timberwolves an NBA Finals favorite after reaching the Western Conference Finals last season. Minnesota had the best defensive rating in the 2023-24 season, according to NBA.com, but had an average offense for most of the year.
The addition of the 7’0″ shooting guard would help the Timberwolves on both sides of the ball as they seek their first championship in franchise history.
The Kings would likely need more than just adding Markkanen to be considered Finals contenders, but trading for him could be the missing piece to getting back into the playoffs after losing in last season’s playoff tournament.
Golden State is looking to add to its roster after moving on from veteran guard Klay Thompson, who signed with the Dallas Mavericks on Monday. The Warriors still have a playoff shot with star Steph Curry, but they’ll likely need to add an All-Star-caliber player like Markkanen.
The Spurs also appear poised to make a playoff run in Year 2 of the Victor Wembanyama era. San Antonio signed veteran point guard Chris Paul in free agency and could likely become a playoff-caliber team with the addition of Markkanen.
With the Jazz listening to offers for Markkanen, it could indicate that the team is headed toward a rebuild after the Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert era. Utah reportedly considered a trade for Mikal Bridges in an effort to lure Paul George to the team, but that plan fell through.
The Jazz have been otherwise quiet this offseason, but it appears they could soon consider trading Markkanen, perhaps in exchange for younger pieces or picks to start a rebuild.
News Source : syndication.bleacherreport.com
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