The Utah Jazz have made it clear they want to build their future around All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen.
In an interview with Spotrac, a Jazz front office executive told Keith Smith, “We hope it will be a long one! (laughed) Seriously, we love Lauri. He’s been great since getting here and nothing will change with that.”
Markkanen, 28, is entering the first year of a four-year, $196 million deal signed after back-to-back strong seasons in Utah.
He averaged 25.6 points and 8.6 rebounds during the 2022–23 season and followed it up with 23.2 points and 8.2 boards in 2023–24.
Despite a dip in scoring efficiency this past year, the seven-footer remains a vital piece of Utah’s offense and locker room leadership.
“He understands what we’re doing and how this team is building,” the executive said. “He’s ready to get back here and to get back to work for next season.”
Since being acquired from the Cavaliers in 2022, Markkanen has emerged as Utah’s leading scorer and a stabilizing veteran presence during a roster overhaul.
The Jazz have added a mix of youth and experience this offseason, drafting Rutgers wing Ace Bailey at No. 5 and trading for veterans Kevin Love, Kyle Anderson, and Jusuf Nurkic.
Markkanen’s ability to space the floor and operate as a stretch forward makes him an ideal fit alongside younger talent like Taylor Hendricks and Keyonte George.
Utah finished last season 31–51 and missed the playoffs for a third straight year, but the front office has emphasized continuity and internal development heading into the 2025–26 campaign.
Markkanen has career averages of 18.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists across 450 games played.
He was named an All-Star in 2023 and has shot 37.1% from three-point range over his eight-year NBA career.
