Making Lauri Markkanen a cornerstone of the rebuilding process has given the Utah Jazz a clearer direction of where the franchise wants to go in trying to becom
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen , right, shoots as Charlotte Hornets guard Grant Williams defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, in Salt Lake City.
The timing of his extension was deliberate. Markkanen signed the deal on Aug. 7th, ensuring he cannot be traded during the 2024-25 season. It offers a rare security blanket for a player who was traded twice earlier in his NBA career. "Lauri is a pro's pro," Jazz CEO Danny Ainge said. "He approaches the game the right way. But as much as anything, he's a fantastic player and he loves it here. He wants to be here."
"He's an All-Star level player. He's going to be an amazing leader for our team, a focal point for our team," Jazz coach Will Hardy said.
Utah Jazz NBA Playoff Contract Extension Player Development Leadership Role All-Star Rebuilding Process
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