Lauri Markkanen is playing the best basketball of his career, and naturally, that’s sparked plenty of trade buzz around the league. But if you're hoping to see the Finnish sharpshooter on the move this season, don't hold your breath. Despite the Utah Jazz being in the early stages of a rebuild, league insiders are increasingly convinced that the front office - now led by Austin Ainge alongside Danny Ainge - is more interested in building around Markkanen than cashing in on his trade value.
And it’s not hard to see why.
Markkanen’s game has taken a leap. After a standout EuroBasket performance this summer, he’s carried that momentum into the NBA season, putting up eye-popping numbers: 28.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, all while shooting a clean 47% from the field, 36% from three, and 90% from the line. That’s elite efficiency for a player who’s not just spotting up in the corner - he’s creating, attacking, and carrying a heavy offensive load.
If you’re Utah, that’s the kind of player you think twice about moving. Especially when, as reported, Markkanen genuinely enjoys playing in Salt Lake City. That kind of buy-in from a star-level talent is rare, and it gives the Jazz a foundation to build around - not just a trade chip to flip.
Now, if you're the Portland Trail Blazers, this one probably stings a bit. Markkanen would’ve been a dream fit for their young core.
His size, shooting, and ability to create his own shot would’ve added a different dimension to a roster that’s still searching for its identity in the post-Damian Lillard era. Pairing him with Deni Avdija - who they acquired from Washington in a savvy deal - would’ve given Portland a dynamic forward duo with length, versatility, and upside.
But that ship seems to have sailed.
So where does Portland turn now? The Blazers are in the middle of a patient rebuild, and while they’re not expected to rush into a major move, they are keeping an eye on the trade market - especially in the backcourt.
Names like Trae Young, Ja Morant, and LaMelo Ball have surfaced in early trade chatter. All three bring star power, but they also come with question marks, whether it’s fit, health, or consistency.
Portland’s biggest priority right now is figuring out what they have in Scoot Henderson. The rookie guard has shown flashes, but injuries have slowed his development.
Until he’s back and the front office gets a clearer picture of his long-term trajectory, it’s unlikely they’ll make a major move at the guard spot. They want to build this thing the right way - not just make a splash for the sake of relevance.
That’s what makes Markkanen such a missed opportunity. He’s the kind of player who fits both timelines: young enough to grow with the core, good enough to elevate the team right now. But unless something changes in Utah’s thinking, Portland will have to keep looking elsewhere for the star they need to break out of their four-year playoff drought.
For now, the Jazz are holding onto their guy - and the Blazers are still hunting for theirs.