During an interview with NBA reporter Sam Amick of The Athletic, Lauri Markkanen talked about seeing his name in Utah Jazz trade rumors.
NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported that Markkanen is no longer untouchable in Jazz trade conversations.
Amick: With all that in mind, and considering it’s the time of year when people end up talking about trade rumors and making players nervous along the way, how are you handling this time of year?
Markkanen: Whatever happens happens, you know?
Amick: Are you getting any messaging on that front from the organization?
Markkanen: No, I haven’t talked to anyone. Obviously, you see the stuff online or whatever and …
Amick: I mean, you’re a very good player. It’s not exactly surprising that teams would love to come after you.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz Updates
Markkanen: Yeah, I look at that as a compliment to you that teams are interested in you and it’s a credit to what you’ve done in the past and how you work.
Amick: And your contract is team-friendly and you’re underpaid.
Markkanen: Yeah. And I’ve been traded, I guess, technically three times with draft night included. Sometimes I knew about it. Sometimes I didn’t. So I kind of learned the business side of basketball. I’ve kind of learned to just go day by day and really put the work in and try to play to the best of my abilities and whatever happens happens, really. Like I said, I love being in Utah and it’s a compliment of what you’ve done in the past (that teams have interest). We’ll see. But yeah, I just want to emphasize that I really believe in what we’re building here with the Jazz. Go day by day. Do your best. That’s all you can do.
Markkanen is averaging 23.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists this season for the Jazz while shooting 48.9% from the field, 39.0% from 3 and 83.3% from the foul line. The one-time All-Star is making $17.3 million.
Markkanen’s salary for next season is partially guaranteed. The Jazz are expected to sign Markkanen to a new contract after this season if they don’t trade him.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, Sacramento Kings and Atlanta Hawks could trade for Markkanen, according to Fischer.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz Updates
Markkanen has career averages of 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists with the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers and Jazz.
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