Keeping Lauri Markkanen represents a gamble on a strategy that the Jazz and Danny Ainge have yet to disclose.

Re-signing Lauri Markkanen was a sound decision for the Utah Jazz, despite the uncertainties surrounding the team’s future strategy.

Markkanen’s new five-year, $238 million contract is likely to provide good value relative to his production. The Jazz are using about $24.1 million in cap space to increase Markkanen’s 2024-25 salary to its maximum of approximately $42.2 million. This move is expected to create future cap savings.

At 27, Markkanen is a strong player with excellent shooting skills and a positive attitude towards playing in Utah—an important factor, as the city isn’t traditionally a top destination for young NBA stars. Keeping an All-Star like Markkanen, who seems committed to the team, aligns with the Jazz’s current goals.

However, the Jazz’s performance under Markkanen has been inconsistent. Past seasons have seen the team start strong but then falter after trading away veterans, leading to mid-lottery draft picks. With a competitive Western Conference and weaker Eastern Conference teams at the bottom, the Jazz are likely to finish between No. 7 and No. 12 in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Markkanen’s trade rumors stem from his value as an All-Star, though not as a top-20 player. The Jazz need multiple stars to compete seriously. While they’ve explored adding players like Mikal Bridges and Jrue Holiday, these players are effective but not necessarily game-changers. Acquiring a top-20 player is challenging, especially in a less glamorous market like Utah. Drafting a star is more feasible, but keeping Markkanen makes this process harder.

The Jazz’s decision to keep Markkanen likely reflects a lack of compelling trade offers. The possibility of securing valuable assets from the Cavaliers and Timberwolves trades, combined with a strong 2025 and 2026 draft, could have been a better route. However, without knowing the specifics of any offers, it’s unclear if trading Markkanen would have been advantageous.

Danny Ainge’s track record suggests that the decision to re-sign Markkanen may have been based on the best available option rather than a clear long-term plan. Ainge is known for making opportunistic moves rather than sticking strictly to a defined strategy. His history of successful trades supports the idea that keeping Markkanen might be a strategic choice to stay flexible and responsive.

In summary, re-signing Markkanen is a good move in isolation, but it’s part of a broader strategy that remains unclear. The Jazz might be poised for another mid-lottery draft pick this season, but this doesn’t necessarily impede their long-term prospects. Ainge’s history of navigating uncertain situations with successful outcomes provides a basis for optimism. The Jazz will need to see how their current strategy unfolds and remain adaptable for future opportunities.

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