Lauri Markkanen is no longer just a rising star—he’s a full-blown NBA phenomenon. The Utah Jazz forward has exploded onto the league’s radar this season, posting historic scoring numbers, drawing trade interest from contenders, and forcing the Jazz to make a tough decision about their future.
Markkanen’s Historic Hot Streak
Markkanen’s recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular. In a jaw-dropping 150-147 overtime win against the Chicago Bulls on November 16, 2025, Markkanen dropped
47 points, including six three-pointers and seven rebounds. This marked his third straight game setting a new season high in scoring, and his third 40-point game of the year—tying him with Luka Dončić and Stephen Curry as the only players with three such games this season. He’s also the only Jazz player to post back-to-back games with 40+ points and 5+ threes, joining an elite list that includes Curry and Mitchell.
Through 11 games, Markkanen is averaging
30.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 3.8 three-pointers per game on .479/.389/.880 shooting splits. His offensive efficiency and volume have made him one of the league’s most dangerous scorers, and his ability to stretch the floor is a nightmare for defenses.
Trade Rumors Heat Up
Despite Markkanen’s breakout, the Jazz’s record sits at 5-8, and speculation has swirled about whether Utah will trade their All-Star. Multiple reports indicate that the Jazz have been approached by several teams, including the Lakers, Suns, and Pistons, all eager to add a player of Markkanen’s caliber. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Markkanen has become a prime trade target for teams that missed out on Mikal Bridges this offseason.
However, recent rumors suggest the Jazz are standing firm. According to Matt Moore of FanSided, Utah is “stonewalling all talks” for Markkanen and has made it clear they won’t entertain trade offers at this point in the season. The Jazz reportedly passed on a significant offer from the Golden State Warriors in the summer of 2024, believing Markkanen is too valuable to part with.
Contract and Injury Concerns
Markkanen’s contract is a major factor in the trade equation. He signed a five-year,
$238 million extension this offseason, with
$220 million in new money. His average annual salary is over
$48 million, and the contract is fully guaranteed. While Markkanen’s offensive production is undeniable, his injury history is a concern. He’s missed at least 20 games in five of his eight NBA seasons, including 35 games in 2024-25 and 27 in 2023-24. Teams considering a trade must weigh the risk of a major injury against the potential reward of adding a superstar.
Jazz’s Dilemma
The Jazz’s decision is complicated by their roster construction and long-term goals. With a young core and a focus on developing talent, Utah could be tempted to cash in on Markkanen’s value. However, his recent performances have made him too valuable to let go, at least for now. Analysts like Kevin O’Connor have suggested the Jazz would demand an unprecedented return—perhaps five first-round picks—for Markkanen, reflecting his market value.
What’s Next?
Markkanen’s future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: he’s playing at an All-NBA level and is a top-15 fantasy asset. The Jazz will need to decide whether to build around him or use his value to accelerate their rebuild. For now, Markkanen is focused on leading Utah to success, and his scoring outbursts are making him one of the most exciting players in the league.
Sources
1. Lauri Markkanen News, Rumors, Updates - Utah Jazz | FOX Sports
2. NBA free agency 2024: Latest signings, news, buzz and reports
3. Lauri Markkanen POPPED OFF For 47 Points! | November 16, 2025
4. Shocking rumor saves Lakers from trade that would've derailed Luka ...
5. Lauri Markkanen trade dreams the Jazz simply can’t fulfill
6. Why a Lauri Markkanen trade never happened | Pounding The Rock
7. Lauri Markkanen 2025-26 Stats per Game - NBA - ESPN
8. Why the Suns dreaming of Lauri Markkanen says more about their ...
9. The Utah Jazz don't have a plan this season … again - SLC Dunk
10. Should the Portland Trail Blazers Trade for Lauri Markkanen?
11. NBA trade rumors: new Lauri Markkanen trade intel | SLC Dunk
12. Should Detroit Pistons trade for this star player?
13. Articles by Zach Lowe's Profile | Basketball RealGM Journalist
14. Utah Jazz news - Basketball, USA - Flashscore.com
