Golden State remains in the hunt for Markkanen and has entered into a “waiting period” regarding trade talks with Utah, The Athletic’s Anthony Slater reported Tuesday, citing league sources.
Any possible Markkanen trade could take a while to materialize, though.
Per Slater, the important date to keep in mind is Aug. 6, because that is when Markkanen becomes extension-eligible.
The Jazz aren’t in a hurry to trade Markkanen, and Slater reports that there is belief around the NBA that the Jazz ultimately will sign the 2017 No. 7 overall draft pick to a lucrative extension rather than trade him.
But Utah’s lack of urgency forced the Kings to pivot from Markkanen to DeMar DeRozan, Slater reported, citing league sources.
The Kings acquired DeRozan, a six-time NBA All-Star, on Monday in a three-team trade involving the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs.
The 7-foot Markkanen is a dynamic forward who averaged 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds in 55 games for the Jazz last season.
In seven NBA seasons between the Jazz, Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers, Markkanen is averaging 18.1 points and 7.3 rebounds in 403 career games.
Markkanen shot 48.0 percent from the field last season and is a career 45.9 percent shooter. From 3-point range, he shot 39.9 percent on eight attempts a game last season.
Unless something changes in Utah’s thought process, it appears the Markkanen trade speculation will drag out until the first week of August, so get comfortable.
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