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Utah Jazz ahead Lauri Markkanen is reportedly receiving curiosity from the Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings, per Yahoo Sports activities’ Jake Fischer.
Fischer additionally famous that Jazz “are certainly welcoming calls” for Markkanen, that means he may very well be positioned in a commerce sooner or later this offseason.
The curiosity from the Wolves and Kings comes amid buzz there’s curiosity in Markkanen from each the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs—a pair of groups who’re possible on the surface trying in relating to playoff competition subsequent season.
Markkanen, 27 and heading into his eighth season, has developed into an All-Star caliber participant since becoming a member of the Jazz forward of the 2022-23 season. Final yr, he put up 23.2 factors and eight.2 rebounds per recreation whereas guiding a struggling Jazz group.
Markkanen will earn $18.04 million this season earlier than getting into free company a yr from now.
It is honest to say including Markkanen might flip the Timberwolves into an NBA Finals favourite after reaching the Western Convention Finals final season. Minnesota had the highest defensive ranking through the 2023-24 season, per NBA.com, however had a middling offense for a lot of the yr.
Including the 7’0″ shooter would assist the Timberwolves on either side of the ball as they seek for their first championship in franchise historical past.
The Kings would possible want greater than the addition of Markkanen to be thought of Finals contenders, however buying and selling for him may very well be the lacking piece to get again into the playoffs after shedding within the play-in match final season.
Golden State is trying to complement its roster after shifting on from veteran capturing guard Klay Thompson, who signed with the Dallas Mavericks on Monday. The Warriors can nonetheless be a playoff contender behind star Steph Curry, however it’ll possible take including an All-Star-level participant like Markkanen.
The Spurs are additionally seemingly gearing as much as make a run on the playoffs within the second yr of the Victor Wembanyama period. San Antonio added veteran level guard Chris Paul in free company and will possible be a playoff-caliber group with the addition of Markkanen.
With the Jazz listening to provides for Markkanen, it might point out the group is shifting towards a rebuild following the Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert period. Utah reportedly eyed a commerce for Mikal Bridges in an effort to lure Paul George to the group, however that plan did not come to fruition.
The Jazz have been in any other case quiet this offseason, however it appears they may quickly look to deal Markkanen, maybe in trade for youthful items or picks to start out a rebuild.