Or Lauri Markkanen or the Jazz, or both, could decide to hold off on a new deal and set up an extended negotiating period in which Markkanen could be traded at any point through February, sign a new deal with the Jazz or just go through the season and hit unrestricted free agency next July. For the Warriors, this would be the green-light scenario. I also think it’s the most likely — my guess is that if Markkanen won’t sign with Utah on Aug. 6, the deal won’t be there for him on Aug. 7 and beyond. I might be wrong, but that is my presumption. If that’s how it works out, it will be time to see what Utah can get on the trade market. And I think the Warriors would be in the front of the line, just as they were a few weeks ago when they first engaged in talks with the Jazz. By the way, I’m going to go ahead and conclude that Scenario 1 is probably a non-starter. According to The Athletic’s Tony Jones, it’s unlikely that Markkanen will sign the new deal by Tuesday, which makes sense. The 27-year-old Markkanen knows he’s going to get major money either now or next summer. By not signing this week, Markkanen essentially gains a bit of control over his future.
Source: New York Times
Source: New York Times
