Markkanen Agrees To Renegotiation, Extension With Jazz
Aug 7, 2024, 9:19 AM
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen holds up his hand after a three-point shot (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Lauri Markkanen has agreed to a renegotiated contract and signed a four-year extension with the Utah Jazz.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the deal includes a $24 million raise for the 2024-25 season, and a four-year extension worth $196 million.
Related: Is Lauri Markkanen Staying In Utah Good For The Jazz?
“Utah Jazz All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen has signed a five-year, $238 million contract renegotiation and extension – including $220 million in new money,” Wojnarowski reported.
Utah Jazz All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen has signed a five-year, $238 million contract renegotiation and extension – including $220 million in new money, his agent Michael Lelchitski of @SIGSports tells ESPN. pic.twitter.com/dFx6pIc2nV
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 7, 2024
Markkanen To Remain In Utah After Extension
By signing the contract on August 7, Markkanen is unable to be traded during the 2024-25 NBA regular season.
NBA teams can’t move players for six months after signing them to a new deal, pushing Markkanen’s eligibility date past the February 6 trade deadline.
In an interview with ESPN, Markkanen explained why he chose to stay in Utah rather than test unrestricted free agency next summer.
“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’ resumes 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.”
“Lauri pysyy Utahissa” sure has a nice ring to it 😌🇫🇮💜#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/vjJXgK9IW7
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) August 7, 2024
Acquired by the Jazz in the blockbuster trade that sent Donovan Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Markkanen has averaged 24.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while shooting 49 percent from the floor and 39 percent from the three-point line.
The Finnish forward earned his first All-Star nod in 2023.
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Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops or on Instagram @BensHoops.
