There have been numerous conflicting reports regarding the Utah Jazz and their long-term plan with Lauri Markkanen. There’s an argument that Utah would be better off trading him while they have the chance, but there’s an argument that it would also be very difficult to trade him. Not because of his trade value, but because Markkanen has done something not many other Jazz stars have done: embraced Utah.
NBA insider Jake Fischer said on a Bleacher Report Live Stream that the fact that Markkanen has grown to love Utah since arriving there is something the Jazz have certainly noticed, and that’s why it’s not that easy for them to trade him.
“He’s enjoyed Salt Lake. He wants to be in Salt Lake. He became an All-Star at Utah, and the Jazz haven’t had the greatest success historically, if you’ve been paying attention, in keeping talent in Salt Lake City compared to other situations like New York and Miami or Golden State… the fact that they have a star who wants to be there is something the Jazz don’t take lightly.”
Markkanen loves being here, in part because the environment they fostered helped him become the All-Star many thought he could be. It’s not that easy to turn on that system when it gets the best out of a player. Better yet, Utah rewarded Markkanen for how good he has become since becoming a Jazzman three years ago.
Utah has seen the rodeo of stars wanting to leave, and it was painful for them every time. The Jazz don’t want to have to deal with another Deron Williams situation (the public sting that led to him and Jerry Sloan leaving) or a Gordon Hayward situation (which screwed them up in the worst way possible).
Having a star who wants to be there, even when it doesn’t make much sense, is quite a convenience. There will undoubtedly be Markkanen trade rumors all season long, but if that doesn’t happen, statements like this explain why.
Utah could also use Markkanen’s example to appeal to their young stars
Markkanen could very well stay with the Jazz through his prime, and that could be by design. With the Jazz having a reputation for losing their stars, keeping someone like him could be a good influence on the youngster wanting to stay in Utah long-term.
Having Markkanen there and knowing his emergence as a Jazzman could be enough to convince the likes of Ace Bailey or Brice Sensabaugh that staying with the Jazz is their best course of action. It’s not a given that they will, so learning from Markkanen’s experience can help ensure they stay with the team.
It’s entirely possible that Markkanen is traded this offseason, but the only way Utah would agree to it is if they know 100% that trading him is the best move. Since he loves it here in Utah, which is hard to find among NBA stars wearing a Jazz uniform, sending him away isn’t a sure thing.
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