As of Tuesday, Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen becomes eligible for a significant contract renegotiation and extension. This eligibility places Markkanen among a select group of just 13 NBA players since 2010 who have had the opportunity to potentially restructure their current salary for better terms.
Currently in the final year of a four-year, $67.5 million contract originally signed in 2021, Markkanen has seen his stock rise dramatically. The forward's 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 in 2022 sent him to Utah, where he became a linchpin in the Jazz’s lineup following the Donovan Mitchell trade.
Markkanen's $18 million salary this season is widely considered 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. Notably, 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.
Despite Markkanen’s contribution, 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. "We'd love to be here. I've said it multiple times. My family likes to be here," Markkanen has expressed, indicating his preference to remain with the Jazz.
Renegotiation Options
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 implemented these strategies while operating within the financial constraints of the collective bargaining agreement's second apron, despite having $37 million in cap space. This season, the Jazz have remained strategic, 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 Strategy and Team Composition
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 criterion would result in forfeiting the luxury tax distribution the team would receive at the end of the season.
The upcoming season will also feature significant contributions from seven picks from the past three drafts, including guard Keyonte George, forward Cody Williams, and center Walker Kessler. 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).
Interest from Other Teams
The Golden State Warriors have been the most aggressive suitors for Markkanen thus far. There were preliminary discussions 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.