Recently, Utah Jazz Forward Lauri Marakkenen has put an end to trade rumors surrounding him by signing a lucrative new contract extension with the franchise that will keep him there for the long-term future. Markkanen’s career has has blossomed since it was traded to Jazz Cleveland Cavaliers in 2022, and other teams like the Golden State Warriors who were hoping to acquire his services were out of luck when the extension was announced.
Utah is of course known for its beautiful scenery and pleasant (summer) weather, and recently Markkanen showed his appreciation for those things by posting a photo of himself on X, formerly Twitter, holding a fish he had just caught in a river.
https://x.com/MarkkanenLauri/status/1827761323566112879
Markkanen also donned a Utah jersey, further cementing his loyalty to the franchise where he has become one of the NBA’s elite forwards.
This time a year ago, Markkanen was overseas doing his mandatory military service in his native Finland, but it seems that now that that obligation is fulfilled, the big man is taking things a little more lightly after signing the contract extension.
What future for Jazz?
Right now, there isn’t necessarily a clear path to contention for the Jazz, as the team still appears to be firmly below the playoff line in the juggernaut that is the Western Conference.
Still, the team has a wealth of draft picks for the near future and has one of the league’s best leaders in Danny Ainge partially in charge.
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Lauri Markkanen, meanwhile, has a unique combination of size, athleticism, and touch that makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses on a nightly basis. While he may not be the most versatile defender or the fastest player at the wing position, Markkanen uses his size and strength to continue to contribute at the position as well.
The Jazz still have a talented set of scorers around their talented small forward, including Colin Sexton at point guard and Jordan Clarkson, who remains one of the league’s most electric microwave scorers.
In any case, the Jazz are scheduled to begin the NBA season on October 23 at home against the Memphis Grizzlies, in what will be the NBA season opener.
