Utah Jazz executive Austin Ainge said the organization has no immediate plans to move Lauri Markkanen, pushing back on speculation that the All-Star forward could be gone within a year.
Ainge’s remarks came after The Ringer’s Zach Lowe predicted Markkanen would eventually be dealt. “I don’t agree with that,” Ainge told reporters, according to The Salt Lake Tribune’s Andy Larsen. “I’m a huge fan of Lauri. Lauri’s awesome. He’s really good, and Lauri could and hopefully is part of our next team when we’re going up.”
While praising the 26-year-old, Ainge acknowledged that no NBA player is completely off-limits. “I joke that obviously no one is untradeable,” he said. “If a trade came in for me, I’d convince owner Ryan Smith to take it.”
Markkanen is recovering from a minor wrist bruise sustained during EuroBasket but has been active in training camp and appears close to full health.
For now, the Jazz view Markkanen as central to their plans; whether that changes will depend on future offers.
Source: Hoops Wire
