One of the biggest storylines during the summer was the link between Utah Jazz big man Lauri Markkanen and the Golden State Warriors.
With so many rumors swirling around Markkanen and the Dubs, it seemed as though he was destined to become a Warrior. But that ultimately did not push through, with the sharpshooting big man electing to sign a four-year, $195.8 million contract extension with the Jazz last August.
Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen finally sounds off on Golden State Warriors trade rumors
Naturally, it has been fairly quiet on the Markkanen front since that signing. But recently, Markkanen spoke publicly about the experience of having to live life with seemingly endless rumors surrounding him at that time.
Per the Stein Line by Marc Stein (h/t HoopsHype):
On tuning out the noise and rumbles that the speculation was wearing on him: Lauri Markkanen: Before in my career it used to be [louder], but now it was moreso, I was able to go home to my family and hang out. I went through it once already during my restricted free agency [summer], going from Chicago to Cleveland, so this was easier for sure. Contract-wise we couldn’t do anything before August.
I knew that, if something happens with [trade interest], my agent will let me know. So I was able to kind of be home with my family and work out and it was easier. On hearing so frequently that the Warriors specifically were after him: Lauri Markkanen: I think [it means] you’ve done things right — that teams want you. … I was able to kind of zone it out and really wait for my agent for what’s real.
There were discussions made between the Jazz and the Warriors but Utah just did not like what Golden State put on the table as an offer for the Finnish star.
Without the noise of trade rumors, Markkanen can now focus on the main task at hand and that’s to help the Jazz bounce back from a forgettable 31-51 campaign.
