Lauri Markkanen is formally being removed from the NBA trade market by the Utah Jazz. The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, Tony Jones, and Shams Charania predict that the 27-year-old striker will sign a long-term contract extension soon.
With a five-year contract that would pay him up to $200 million, the All-Star will be committed to the Jazz team until 2029. Markkanen’s existing contract will be renegotiated, and Utah will use its $33 million in cap space to increase Markkanen’s current $18 million salary. In 2024–2025, he is qualified to receive up to $42.2 million in compensation.
It is the wealthiest deal in Jazz history, and Markkanen is well-deserving of this distinction. The Golden State Warriors were the team that expressed the greatest interest in trading for him out of all the teams in the league. But in the end, the Dubs were never able to match Utah’s lofty asking price. Markkanen is prepared to endure a rebuilding in order to remain with the Jazz. That is an uncommonly high degree of dedication from a big performer in a tiny market.
With an average of 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists on.480/.399/.899 splits in 33.1 minutes last season, Markkanen was positively explosive. The fact that Markkanen was only a few percentage points away from a 50/40/90 season as a true 7-footer attests to the uniqueness of his skill set. He is among the NBA’s top shooters and comes with a frame that is ideal for the current league.
With the new TV deal, the NBA’s wage cap should grow with this contract, much like a quality wine. Since Markkanen’s influence is not based on physical prowess, he ought to continue to be useful for some time.
Let’s now discuss Golden State. What will happen to the Warriors next? It’s obvious that they need another All-Star to improve the group that surrounds Stephen Curry. There are, in fact, several possibilities, but only one certain “best” result.
Jimmy Butler should be the Warriors’ main focus after losing out on Lauri Markkanen.
Without an extension, Jimmy Butler will enter the last year of his deal with the Miami Heat. Although Butler has stated that he wants to stay in Miami and play out the season, there is a clear gulf between him and the front management. Butler’s selective effort and regular season absences are certainly wearing on the Heat. He’s a postseason killer, but it won’t matter unless the Heat can consistently qualify for the playoffs rather than just barely making it.
Prior to official reports of Butler’s short-term commitment to Miami, the 34-year-old All-Star’s teams of interest were the Philadelphia 76ers and the Warriors. Paul George was recently signed by the Sixers. Butler might not be truly available until the summer of next year, but the Dubs should definitely keep their treasure trove full in case they decide to make a run at the two-time Eastern Conference champion.
Although the Warriors lack the funds to contract Butler exclusively, he instantly becomes a desirable sign-and-trade option. Butler’s return package probably wouldn’t be half as expensive as Markkanen’s because of his age and contract status. His yearly salary will increase, which might be challenging as Golden State works through the new CBA. Butler would undoubtedly improve the Warriors’ chances of winning the championship, but where there is a will, there is a way.
Golden State will be skillfully balancing the line between immediate contention and future preparedness if it can sign Butler to run the show alongside Steph for a few years while keeping its youthful core of Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga, and Trayce Jackson-Davis. The Warriors still have time to find that equilibrium, even though the two-timelines strategy never exactly turned out as planned.
Butler should be closely examined and viewed with some suspicion because to his advanced age, inconsistent shooting record, and potential contract demands. Butler, Draymond, and probably Kuminga on the court wouldn’t create ideal space, but Buddy Hield, Curry, Podziemski, and other players can counterbalance a lot. But given the Warriors’ current situation, there is undeniable pressure to make the most of Curry’s remarkable career remaining years. Butler can assist in that endeavor.
In the event that the Warriors want a quicker fix, the Bulls are attempting to waive Zach LaVine’s contract.
Leave a Reply