"The Miami Heat were already facing an uphill battle when it came to a Lauri Markkanen trade, considering that doing business with the Ainges isn't easy, but the chances of a trade happening just dipped even further. On Monday, NBA insider Matt Moore reported for FanSided that the Jazz are continuing to "stonewall all talks for Lauri Markkanen." Markkanen's future in Utah has been a popular topic of conversation for a couple of years."
"After Walker Kessler opted for season-ending shoulder surgery earlier this month, Heat fans started to dream even more about a Markkanen trade. Based on Moore's report, Utah's stance on the 28-year-old forward hasn't changed, which is interesting, considering that the Jazz need to lose as much as possible to ensure their 2026 top-eight protected pick doesn't go to the Thunder."
"Utah could always change its mind between now and the Feb. 5 deadline, but even if that happened, it'd be hard for Miami to get Markkanen. The Jazz would want a slew of first-round picks for Markkanen. Think of what you would give up for him, and then add three more first-round picks to it. That's how Utah does business."
The Jazz are stonewalling all trade talks for Lauri Markkanen, maintaining resistance to offers. Markkanen signed a five-year, $238 million extension after being linked to Golden State. Markkanen posted strong summer EuroBasket play and is averaging a career-best 30.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists on 48/39/88 splits through Utah's first 13 games. Walker Kessler's season-ending shoulder surgery increased Heat interest in pursuing Markkanen. Utah's roster and front office prefer to preserve losing outcomes to protect the 2026 top-eight protected pick. The Jazz reportedly would demand multiple first-round picks, making a Miami trade unlikely before Feb. 5.
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