By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Lauri Markkanen is staying with the Utah Jazz.
He signed a five-year, $238 million contract extension, as ESPN’s NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Wednesday.
“They’ve all showed their belief in me, from the ownership to the front office to Will [Hardy],” Markkanen told ESPN, “It’s a comfortable environment and those guys’ résumés speak for themselves. I trust in the organization to help grow me as a person and a player, to build our team, and I’m ready to take on the challenge.”
After joining the Jazz via trade before the 2022-23 season, the 27-year-old Finnish forward averaged 25.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.6 blocks per contest over 66 appearances in his first season. Last season, he added 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game over 55 appearances.
“Once I got traded to Utah, the organization and city immediately embraced me, and it’s been a family-oriented place, especially with me having my own little kids now,” he added during a telephone interview with ESPN, “It’s been an easy transition to basketball and easy off the court. I’ve grown comfortable building all of these relationships, and it’s been a great place for me to grow as a person.”
Selected with the seventh overall pick of the 2017 NBA draft after one year at Arizona, he launched his NBA career with the Chicago Bulls. Midway through the 2021-22 season, he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The contract extension with the Jazz prevents another trade for the next six months, putting a stop to recent trade scenarios.
“It’s a weight off my shoulders and I can focus only one the main thing now, playing basketball at a high level,” he mentioned, “I don’t stress about it, but you can’t pretend you don’t hear that stuff. It’s a good feeling knowing that I’m going to be in Utah.”
An injury is his right shoulder ruled him out for Finland the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Valencia, besides prematurely ending his 2023-24 campaign with the Jazz. He is expected to be ready for the 2024-25 Regular Season.
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