Lauri Markkanen would opt to rent rather than buy in Salt Lake City, according to the initial reaction in the league following the unexpected Donovan Mitchell trade to the Cavaliers, as the Jazz are anticipated to trade him by the deadline to another team.
On the other hand, Collin Sexton might remain. He agreed to a four-year, $72 million contract extension to complete the move, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. The deal is guaranteed.
The collective hoop podcast features ESPN's Brian Windhorst claims that the Jazz isn't immediately interested in trading for Sexton.
"I checked in to see if Collin Sexton could be rerouted. Perhaps to the Los Angeles Lakers. But I was informed no, that Sexton's going be in Utah. That is, at least, the plan.
That additional $72 million is a reasonable sum. Based on his last healthy season, two years ago, when he averaged 24.3 points per game, Sexton wanted more (almost $80 million in total). He did, however, miss every game last season except 11 due to a damaged meniscus that called for surgery. Cleveland could only offer Sexton a three-year, $40 million contract at the time because of the luxury tax. The difference is divided by the $72 million.
The Jazz needs someone to handle the ball and take some shots, and it appears that Sexton will get that opportunity. The Jazz is still expected to move away seasoned players Bojan Bogdanovic, Mike Conley, and Malik Beasley before the season begins. Since he is not a part of Utah's long-term strategy, he may be traded eventually, but Sexton and the Jazz work well together for the time being.
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