Game Thread Jan 10, 2026 07:30PM MT: Charlotte Hornets @ Utah Jazz

[NUMBERICA]

If they could get a really big offer for Markkanen I think they'd have sent him out, but honestly I think keeping him makes a lot of sense with what our cap sheet will look like over the next few years. He'll be coming off his max by the time he's really declining at all, but he could still be an awesome player with slightly less athleticism. If we're having to pay Keyonte, Ace, and our pick this year by then, that sounds pretty good?

The time to trade Markkanen was years ago when we should’ve known we’d be tanking for multiple more seasons, not now, where we’re half a season away from intentionally competing.

 

[Step-Back Lauri]

He’s 28 not 38 his game also is reliant on athleticism but not as much as a lot of players he’s a 7 footer who can shoot anywhere. Plus he’s a no drama guy who likes it here and I’m not convinced we can get an equal return on him.

Another thing to add here is, if you can add good enough of a talent for the future via draft (top 3 would be nice ofc) or via trade, it automatically will lead to the point you don't have to stagger this many minutes on Lauri to be competitive at all. I'm actually amazed his TS% is a nice 61 and something bc the minutes he's been clocking made me worried his effectiveness would take a real dip at some point. It's gonna be easier with added talent.

And in fact with the offensive output Keyonte has been putting together in most games past month or two, defenses already have been forced to take care of him too, not just Lauri. Even the version of this Eason's Lauri, wouldn't score around 30 pts on all of Pistons, Spurs and OKC recently, unless Keyonte was rewuiring attention like now. Add a third gun and the offense could get right to the top of the NBA... It's need more defense too to win meaningful things, but at least for offense, things only get better IMHO.

 

[Tanktastic]

He’s 28 not 38 his game also is reliant on athleticism but not as much as a lot of players he’s a 7 footer who can shoot anywhere. Plus he’s a no drama guy who likes it here and I’m not convinced we can get an equal return on him.

I agree completely.

But if the Jazz have to tank until they get a top4 star player, then Markkanen will be 38 soon.

The time to trade Markkanen was years ago when we should’ve known we’d be tanking for multiple more seasons, not now, where we’re half a season away from intentionally competing.

The Jazz aren't half a season away from competing. They're years (and tons of luck) away. They have three good players, bunch of nothing young guys (many of who will be out of the league quite soon) and a coach that no matter who he has, ends up being the worst defense in the NBA.

The best time to trade Markkanen was any time before the extension was signed, true.

 

[Schrödinger's Gerbil]

Lol, I actually was on the verge of buying tickets for this game, but the wife wasn't feeling well, so I watched a much more entertaining football game instead.

Boy, did I dodge a bullet. My heart goes out to the poor saps who doled out hard-earned money for this dumpster fire of a game.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

I agree completely.

But if the Jazz have to tank until they get a top4 star player, then Markkanen will be 38 soon.


The Jazz aren't half a season away from competing. They're years (and tons of luck) away. They have three good players, bunch of nothing young guys (many of who will be out of the league quite soon) and a coach that no matter who he has, ends up being the worst defense in the NBA.

The best time to trade Markkanen was any time before the extension was signed, true.

I guess it depends on your definition of competing, but they will certainly at least be competing for the play in.

They will likely (re)introduce Walker, a top 8 pick, and 1-2 quality free agents.

 

[NUMBERICA]

I guess it depends on your definition of competing, but they will certainly at least be competing for the play in.

They will likely (re)introduce Walker, a top 8 pick, and 1-2 quality free agents.

I think their floor next year is play-in (unless there’s some freakish injury ****).

This team as currently constructed with a healthy Walker and 0 shenanigans is already pretty safely a play-in team.

 

[Tanktastic]

I guess it depends on your definition of competing, but they will certainly at least be competing for the play in.

When for four years now everyone has been talking about the Jazz competing / being competitive in the future, not a single person has meant "try to get in the play-in".

The Jazz may or may not stop tanking. That doesn't mean they'll be competing.