Evolved! Two Years Ago, He Was a Discarded Journeyman. Now Half the League Is After Him

In the competitive landscape of the NBA, Lauri Markkanen has emerged as one of the most sought-after players, with numerous teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, and San Antonio Spurs, lining up to acquire him. This raises the question: why is Markkanen in such high demand?

Lauri Markkanen's Journey

Lauri Markkanen, the 7th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, was initially compared to Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki due to his 7-foot height, agility, and soft shooting touch. Despite these promising attributes, Markkanen's early career was marred by inconsistency and underwhelming performance. He began his NBA journey with the Chicago Bulls, where he failed to make a significant impact, leading to his eventual trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2021. In 2022, Markkanen was again traded, this time to the Utah Jazz as part of a package deal.

The Utah Jazz Transformation

Just when it seemed Markkanen might fade into obscurity, he found new life in Salt Lake City. The Utah Jazz, a team undergoing a rebuild, provided Markkanen with ample opportunities and the freedom to play multiple positions—from small forward to power forward and even center. This flexibility allowed him to diversify his offensive game, featuring post-ups, drives, and off-ball cuts, making him a versatile offensive weapon.

During the 2022-2023 season, Markkanen averaged 25.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game with shooting splits of 49.9% from the field, 39.1% from three-point range, and 87.5% from the free-throw line. His true shooting percentage was an impressive 64.1%. The following season, he maintained strong numbers, averaging 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, with shooting percentages of 48% from the field, 39.9% from three, and 89.9% from the line, leading to a true shooting percentage of 63.1%.

A Three-Point Marksman and More

Markkanen's ability to shoot from beyond the arc is one of his standout qualities. Over the past two seasons, he made 375 three-pointers, the most among players his size, maintaining a shooting accuracy of over 39%. However, his game extends beyond three-point shooting. He is effective in transition, one-on-one situations, and as a pick-and-pop or roll man. Additionally, Markkanen is committed on the defensive end, contributing significantly to rebounding—averaging 8 rebounds per game, with a quarter of those being offensive rebounds.

Why the Jazz Might Trade Him

Despite Markkanen’s impressive performances, the Utah Jazz are open to trading him. The primary reason is the team’s commitment to a full rebuild, a process spearheaded by executive Danny Ainge. Ainge, who has a history of successful rebuilds, notably with the Boston Celtics, is focusing on acquiring young talent and draft assets. The trades of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, which netted the Jazz seven first-round picks and several pick swaps, illustrate this strategy.

Markkanen, while talented, is seen more as a valuable asset for a contending team rather than a foundational piece for a rebuilding one. Keeping him would likely result in more wins, which is counterproductive for a team aiming to secure high draft picks in the strong 2025 and 2026 drafts. Trading him now, especially given his rising value, could yield a significant return. The New York Knicks, for instance, paid five first-round picks for Mikal Bridges, setting a high bar for Markkanen’s potential trade value.

The Danny Ainge Effect

Danny Ainge’s expertise in asset accumulation is evident in his tenure with the Jazz. Acquiring Markkanen and Collin Sexton in the Mitchell trade and leveraging other assets from the Gobert trade has positioned the Jazz favorably. Ainge’s strategy is clear: build a team capable of long-term success through shrewd trades and high draft picks. The potential trade of Markkanen is a continuation of this plan, aiming to maximize returns and position the Jazz for future success.

Conclusion

Lauri Markkanen’s journey from a struggling player to one of the most coveted in the league is a testament to his resilience and the right environment provided by the Utah Jazz. His evolution into a versatile and highly efficient player has made him a prime target for many NBA teams. While the Jazz might trade him to further their rebuilding efforts, Markkanen’s story is far from over. Whether he stays in Utah or moves to a contender, his future in the NBA looks bright, reflecting his remarkable transformation over the past two years.