As of Tuesday, Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen becomes eligible for a significant contract renegotiation and extension, positioning him among a select group of just 13 NBA players since 2010 to potentially restructure their current salary for better terms. This opens a pivotal chapter in Markkanen’s career and offers a major decision point for the Utah Jazz.
Markkanen's Current Contract and Performance
Currently in the final year of a four-year, $67.5 million contract originally signed in 2021, Markkanen has seen his stock rise dramatically. His journey has included a notable trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of a three-team deal involving Derrick Jones Jr. and multiple draft picks. A subsequent trade sent him to Utah in 2022. Following the Donovan Mitchell trade, Markkanen quickly became a linchpin in the Jazz’s lineup.
Markkanen's $18 million salary this season is widely regarded as the best value in the league for any All-Star player not on a first-round rookie scale contract. His consistent performance, averaging 24.5 points over his first two seasons in Utah, earned him All-Star honors and the Most Improved Player award in 2023. He is one of only three 7-footers in NBA history to make 1,000 career 3-pointers, joining the ranks of Dirk Nowitzki and Channing Frye.
Renegotiation and Trade Rumors
Despite Markkanen’s substantial contributions, Utah has been open to trade offers since the transaction activity leading up to the 2024 trade deadline in February. The team’s asking price has been high, reflecting Markkanen’s value both on and off the court.
As of August 6, the Jazz have the opportunity to renegotiate Markkanen's $18 million salary up to $42.2 million for this season, followed by an extension of an additional four years. This renegotiation could bring the total value to approximately $232 million over the next five years. Another option allows the Jazz to raise his current salary to $33.1 million and extend for four years at a total value of $207.8 million.
Utah has been particularly strategic this offseason, only signing their 2024 first-round picks Cody Williams and Isaiah Collier since July. They also drafted Kyle Filipowski in the second round and reportedly agreed to contracts with free agents Drew Eubanks and Johnny Juzang. Eubanks, Juzang, and Filipowski remain unsigned, preserving Utah’s cap flexibility to renegotiate Markkanen’s contract.
Financial Considerations
With $103 million in committed salary, the Jazz need to spend at least $23.7 million more to meet the added rule of the 2023 CBA, which requires teams to spend 90% of the salary cap by the first day of the regular season on October 22. Failing to meet this criteria would result in forfeiting the luxury tax distribution the team would receive at the end of the season.
The Jazz have remained active during trade deadlines, retaining veterans like guard Jordan Clarkson, who has been with the team since the Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert era (2021-22). The Golden State Warriors have been the most aggressive suitors for Markkanen thus far. Preliminary discussions were held with the San Antonio Spurs to pair Markkanen with Victor Wembanyama, though those talks did not gain much traction. The Sacramento Kings showed interest as well but eventually opted to acquire DeMar DeRozan via a sign-and-trade deal.
The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets, both possessing substantial draft capital, could outbid other teams if they choose to pursue Markkanen aggressively. With a clear path to renegotiate and extend Markkanen's contract, the Utah Jazz are poised to make strategic financial decisions that could shape the team's future and competitive landscape for seasons to come.
Markkanen's Commitment
Lauri Markkanen remains a crucial figure for the Utah Jazz, and his commitment to the team echoes through his words, "We'd love to be here. I've said it multiple times. My family likes to be here." With such dedication from a player of Markkanen’s caliber, the Jazz have a significant opportunity to ensure he continues to be a cornerstone of their franchise.