The Utah Jazz are on the verge of signing star forward Lauri Markkanen to a long-term extension, according to sources cited by The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
The agreement is expected to be finalized later this week, making Markkanen ineligible for trades in the upcoming season. Previously, the Finnish forward had been at the center of trade discussions, particularly with the Golden State Warriors.
The extension is anticipated to be valued at more than $200 million over five years.
Markkanen, standing at 7 feet tall, has become a leading scorer during his two seasons in Utah, having joined from the Cleveland Cavaliers. In the 2022-23 season, he averaged 25.6 points per game, earning the league’s Most Improved Player award and his first All-Star selection. He maintained strong performance by averaging 23.2 points per game last season.
Despite Markkanen’s impressive statistics, the Jazz have not been competitive in the Western Conference, finishing 12th in both seasons.
Among the teams showing interest in Markkanen were the Warriors, the San Antonio Spurs, and the Sacramento Kings.
Golden State reportedly hesitated to include 2023 first-round pick Brandin Podziemski in any potential trade for Markkanen, which led to a stall in trade negotiations with the Jazz.
