Jazz star Markkanen wants to stay put amid trade reports
Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen hopes to stay with the franchise amid ongoing trade rumors.
"I just want to emphasize that I really believe in what we're building here with the Jazz," Markkanen told Sam Amick of The Athletic. Rival executives believe the Finnish forward is no longer untouchable in trade discussions, sources told Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer.
The Jazz sit 12th in the Western Conference with a 9-17 record, three games behind the Golden State Warriors for 11th. Utah ranks 26th in offensive rating and 25th in defensive rating this campaign. Last season, the Jazz were 14-12 through the same number of games.
"I try to look at the big picture," Markkanen said, according to Amick. "Obviously, we haven't had the easiest start to the year, but I think it's about keeping that long-term mindset ... and trying to get better every day. Of course, we want to win every game, but even when you lose, I think there's things that we can learn and get better at."
Markkanen excelled last season, averaging 25.6 points in his first year with the Jazz to help him claim the Most Improved Player award. The 26-year-old has nearly kept pace this season, averaging 23.4 points per game.
However, Markkanen is prepared if the Jazz do move him. His rights were traded on draft night, he was dealt from the Chicago Bulls to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2021, and he was traded again to the Jazz before the 2022-23 season.
"I kind of learned the business side of basketball," Markkanen said. "I've kind of learned to just go day by day and really put the work in and try to play to the best of my abilities and whatever happens, happens."
The Jazz host the Brooklyn Nets on Monday.