RealGM Basketball Wiretap

26 April 2025

• Lauri Markkanen, Jazz Remain Committed To Each Other

  The Utah Jazz finished with the NBA's worst record this past season. That's led to some questions about the future of the team's veteran players. One of those players is forward Lauri Markkanen.

  While he wouldn't commit to never trading Markkanen, Jazz general manager Justin Zanik said the former All-Star is a big part of what Utah is trying to build.

  "We'll see when opportunities come up to add to the roster, but I see Lauri as a central part of what we're doing, that's why we signed him," Zanik said. "We think he can be a huge piece for us as we join the competitive rings."

  For his part, Markkanen wants to be a part of where the Jazz are headed. He confirmed that when asked if he hopes to stay in Utah.

  "Definitely," Markkanen said. "I feel like what I did last summer with signing here, that kind of tells you the confidence I have in the organization and the guys we have. I love being in Utah. We'll see what happens in summer, there's things that you can't control, but I love being here and working out with the guys that we have and building this thing."

• Lauri Markkanen Out At Least 7-10 Days Following MRI On Left Knee

  Lauri Markkanen returned to Salt Lake City on March 31 for an MRI of his left knee, which revealed patellofemoral chondrosis with associated subchondral edema, with no other structural damage.

  Markkanen will be re-evaluated in 7-10 days after completing an off-court rehab program.

  The Utah Jazz were recently fined $100,000 by the NBA after they ruled that Markkanen didn't play in games he was healthy enough to participate in. Markkanen and the Jazz signed a four-year, $220 million extension last offseason.

• Jordan Clarkson Out For Season After Plantar Fasciitis Procedure

  Jordan Clarkson underwent a medical procedure to address plantar fasciitis in his left foot. Clarkson will be out for the remainder of the season while he continues to receive treatment.

  Clarkson averaged 16.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists this season for the Utah Jazz.

• Jazz Promised Lauri Markkanen 'Timely Turn Toward Competing' When Signing Extension

  When the Utah Jazz signed Lauri Markkanen to a four-year, $220 million contract extension last August, sources say they had an understanding that the team would have "a timely turn toward competing."

  After two seasons in which the Jazz were competitive for the first half of the season before shifting toward improving lottery odds, the team has largely been non-competitive throughout the entirety of the 24-25 season. The Jazz were recently fined by the NBA for keeping Markkanen out of games he was healthy enough to play.

  Markkanen was ineligible to be traded this season due to the date of his contract extension, but he becomes trade eligible again in the offseason. Markkanen turns 28 in May and is signed through 28-29 with no options for either player or team.

• Jazz Fined $100,000 For Violating NBA's Player Participation Policy With Lauri Markkanen

  The NBA has announced that the Utah Jazz organization has been fined $100,000 for violating the league's Player Participation Policy. The violation occurred when the Jazz failed to make Lauri Markkanen, a star player under the Policy, available for the team's game against the Washington Wizards on March 5 at Capital One Arena, as well as other recent games.

  The Policy, which was adopted prior to the 2023-24 season, is intended to promote participation in the NBA's regular season.

• Isaiah Collier, Zaccharie Risacher Named NBA Rookies Of February

  Isaiah Collier and Zaccharie Risacher have been named the NBA's Rookies of the Month for February.

  Collier averaged 11.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 9.5 assists for the Utah Jazz.

  Risacher averaged 12.8 points and 4.2 rebounds while shooting 44.0 percent on three-pointers.

  For the month of February, Zach Edey led all rookies in PER at 20.6.

• Jazz, Jaden Springer Agree To Three-Year Deal

  The Utah Jazz signed Jaden Springer to a three-year contract, his agent Chad Speck told Shams Charania of ESPN.

  Springer was on a 10-day deal with the Jazz and has appeared in four games.

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