Behind closed doors, Markkanen was adamant that he didn’t want a trade. He told the Jazz front office he wanted to be with the franchise for the long haul and when the next Utah team is a good one, he wants to be the one leading it. Lauri Markkannen: “I think it’s fair to say that I saw the stuff online, but I tried very hard not to pay attention to it. I’m a big believer in what the front office and the coaching staff are doing,” Markkanen told The Athletic. “I think it’s the people we have around and the environment we have. We have a group of guys that want to get better. “I’ve embraced the leadership role, and my family truly enjoys Utah. We have enjoyed our two years here.” -via New York Times / September 30, 2024
