Lauri Markkanen's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen is happy to remain on the team following an offseason full of trade rumors. "It was a nice feeling to know that a lot of teams wanted you to play for their franchise," Markkanen told Tony Jones of The Athletic. "It was kind of a cool thing to be honest. It tells me that I've been able to get a lot better as a player. But I tried not to think about it beyond that. I know that I wanted to come back to Utah, and that's where my priorities were." Markkanen, who signed a five-year, $238 million extension on Aug. 7, has been the main man in Utah for the last couple of campaigns, and his fantasy value could have taken a significant hit with a move elsewhere.

According to Evan Sidery of Forbes Sports, Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (shoulder) won't suit up for Finland during the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. The 27-year-old has spent the last two seasons in Utah, and he finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds while shooting 39.9% from downtown. However, he appeared in only 55 games last season, including missing 17 of Utah's final 21 contests because of a right shoulder injury. Fortunately, Markkanen is expected to get the green light for on-court activities in August. With that said, Markkanen could be at least a top-30 fantasy option. But he's had trouble staying healthy since entering the league, which could continue to impact his potential for fantasy managers.

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (shoulder) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Houston Rockets. Markkanen will miss his seventh consecutive game after aggravating a right shoulder impingement to continue the woes in an injury-limiting season. Utah's one-time All-Star has played in just 55 games this season. The Jazz revealed that Markkanen would be re-evaluated on a timetable that should be met in a few days, but it is unlikely he will play again with Utah out of contention. Forwards Brice Sensabaugh, Luka Samanic, Taylor Hendricks, and Darius Bazley receive more minutes with Markkanen and others out for boosted fantasy value.