Utah Jazz Double Down On Lauri Markkanen

Merlin sees Utah leaning into Lauri Markkanen as the centerpiece of its rebuild. Marc Stein reports "more teams than not that we speak to are increasingly convinced that the Jazz are more likely to try to add to their Markkanen-led core this Trade Season rather than trade Markkanen away." That matters because Markkanen is scorching early (28.5 points, 6.2 rebounds) and, despite a 6-13 start and three straight missed playoffs, Utah appears to prefer continuity over a teardown. Merlin senses the Jazz will hunt for complementary pieces — defenders, playmakers and young depth — to surround their hot-shooting big. Keeping Markkanen buys patience to draft and trade smartly, but if losses keep piling up the front office may change course. For now, his career-year gives Utah a clearer identity to build around.