August 7th is a crucial date for Lauri Markkanen, as an extension signed before the end of today would make him eligible to be traded before the February 7th, 2025 trade deadline. While there was optimism around Markkanen extending long-term with the Jazz, The Athletic has reported that Markkanen is expected to take future talks into the season with him.
“According to The Athletic’s Tony Jones, it’s unlikely that Markkanen will sign the new deal by Tuesday, which makes sense. The 27-year-old Markkanen knows he’s going to get major money either now or next summer. By not signing this week, Markkanen essentially gains a bit of control over his future.”
Markkanen will be hamstrung by a no-trade clause this season if he signs an extension after Tuesday, as players signing new contract extensions can’t be traded until after six months have passed. This would mean any future talks on a Markkanen trade will have to wait for the 2025 offseason, a bad situation for any interested parties.
Lauri is presumed to be worth a max contract, which the Jazz are expected to pay him if he’s interested in staying with the franchise. However, both the team and player have more flexibility with Lauri playing this season on his $17 million contract, making it easier for contending teams like the Warriors to acquire him.
Markkanen signing an extension at any point now would guarantee he’s a part of the Jazz’s plans this season and for the future, also dealing a massive blow to the Warriors who will have to rule out any possibility of acquiring him after being the team who’s most aggressively pursuing him.
Lauri averaged xxx last season, firmly establishing himself as one of the premier forwards in the NBA as a free-scoring seven-footer with the ability to thrive on or off the ball.
The Warriors Are Still Unwilling To Meet The Jazz’s Price
The Golden State Warriors have been in talks for a Markkanen trade for weeks but haven’t been able to convince the Jazz to pick between Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski, with the Jazz wanting to acquire both players along with Draft assets. The Warriors have been ardently holding onto their price as well.
“The Warriors, as of Sunday, continued to be regarded as the league’s most ardent Markkanen suitor … but at the same time still unwilling to surrender Brandin Podziemski in a trade package for the 7-foot Finn… Golden State, to date, has pursued Markkanen without including Podziemski or Jonathan Kuminga in trade packages laden with future draft compensation. Obviously no team, to this point, has met Danny Ainge’s asking price.”
If Markkanen ends up hurting the Jazz’s ability to tank, the Warriors will hope they get a phone call about a deal that’s closer to their terms. Similarly, if the Warriors struggle next season, the Jazz will hope an under-pressure franchise bites the bullet on an expensive Markkanen trade to keep Stephen Curry happy.
Regardless, not extending right now was the best option, as all interested parties can keep their futures open.
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