It seems increasingly unlikely that Lauri Markkanen will suit up for the Golden State Warriors this season, despite the swirling trade rumors linking him to the team over the past few weeks. Markkanen’s latest move suggests he’s staying put with the Utah Jazz as the offseason chatter comes to a head.
According to a report by Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, Markkanen is planning to delay signing a contract extension with the Jazz until after the August 6 deadline. This decision is significant because if Markkanen signs a new deal after this deadline, he becomes ineligible to be traded during the 2024-25 season.
“But if Markkanen waits to sign his new deal until Wednesday or later, Markkanen won’t be eligible to be traded during this upcoming 2024-25 season,” Fischer noted. “He wouldn’t be eligible to be traded for six months after his new agreement, in accordance with the collective bargaining, which would fall one day after the Feb. 6 trade deadline…”
The move appears to be a deliberate one, as Fischer’s sources indicate that Markkanen is delaying his signature specifically to avoid being traded this season. This strategy could bring an end to any speculation about him joining the Warriors or any other team in the near future.
However, it’s important to note that if Markkanen does not sign an extension after the August 6 deadline, he remains eligible for a trade up until the February 6 deadline of the 2024-25 season. Despite this, a trade seems increasingly unlikely, given Markkanen’s expressed desire to stay in Utah and the Jazz’s intention to build their future around him.
In his April exit interview, Markkanen made it clear where his loyalties lie. “We love to be here,” he told reporters. “I’ve said it multiple times and my family likes to be here.” This sentiment, combined with the Jazz’s long-term plans, suggests that Markkanen is set to remain a key part of Utah’s roster.
Adding another wrinkle to the situation, the Warriors are reportedly hesitant to part with their second-year guard Brandin Podziemski, whom the Jazz have shown interest in as part of any potential trade for Markkanen. This reluctance further diminishes the likelihood of Markkanen heading to Golden State, even if he remains eligible for a trade after August 6.
All signs point to Lauri Markkanen staying with the Jazz, where he has found both professional success and personal contentment.
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