Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs The Utah Jazz and All-Star big man Lauri Markkanen are expected to sign a long-term extension that will make him untradable for the entirety of the 2024-25 season. The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Tony Jones, and Anthony Slater reported the news on Tuesday.The Athletic reports the two sides are expected to agree to a “massive, long term” extension, and will sign it on Wednesday or later. By signing it then, Markkanen will be ineligible to be traded for six months. That would make him untradable this season.The Athletic revealed more information on the expected contract extension:”League sources said Markkanen’s deal is projected to be worth upwards of $200 million over five years. It keeps him under contract through 2029, giving him the richest contract in Jazz history and one of the highest salaries for a European player in NBA history. Utah is able to give Markkanen his maximum salary of $42.2 million this upcoming season by using $24.13 million of that cap space to add to his current $18 million salary.”
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – FEBRUARY 15: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz shoots between Andrew Wiggins #22 and Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half of a game…
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – FEBRUARY 15: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz shoots between Andrew Wiggins #22 and Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half of a game at Delta Center on February 15, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Markkanen isn’t going anywhere this season.
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Markkanen has been discussed in trade talks all offseason long. The Golden State Warriors have been the most aggressive team pursuing Markkanen, but they haven’t been the only one.However, the Warriors have reportedly been hesitant to include second-year guard Brandin Podziemski, which has stalled trade talks in the last few weeks. Now, the Warriors’ unwillingness to part with Podziemski appears to have ultimately prevented them from landing Markkanen. Warriors Consider One Player Off-Limits in Trade Talks for West All-StarMarkkanen appears to be choosing stability over immediate success in this move. The Jazz went 31-51 a year ago, and are likely a few years away from contention in the crowded Western Conference. However, Markkanen likes Utah, and clearly wanted some stability in his NBA career after spending the last four seasons across three different teams. The Athletic had more on his desire to remain in Utah:”But Markkanen, behind the scenes, repeatedly expressed his desire to remain in Utah and his belief in Utah’s plan over the long term, according to league sources. He and his family have taken to the community, and the Jazz see him as someone who can be a central figure in a rebuild now and in the future.”It appears Markkanen got what he wanted all along, as he makes Utah his permanent NBA home. As for the Warriors, they’re left to go back to the drawing board to upgrade their roster in the waning years of Stephen Curry’s career.More news: Warriors, Knicks Among Teams Interested in Trading For Star Big Man
