Random NBA Observations 2025 - 2026

[Derek Lee]

The handshake with Ingles

 

[darryl]

Why isn't luka not in the MVP discussion? I'm confused. Shai I get being number one right now but I don't even think he's in the top 3 discussion

 

[HandyWithTheSteel]

 

[OGBobbyJohnson]

Luka such a bytch

 

[Don Homer]

I think they might be legit worse than yall

unnecessary dig

 

[T-K-G]

we've seen this before



Too many coincidences with this group, another banner about to be up in the rafters soon

 

[the next guy]

 

[daemonova]

 

[OGBobbyJohnson]

 

[FakeNews]

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/282946/Jazz-Signal-Intent-To-Build-Around-Lauri-Markkanen-Rather-Than-Explore-Trade

The Utah Jazz are signaling a shift away from rebuilding mode. League sources increasingly believe the team will add talent around Lauri Markkanen this trade season rather than trade their star forward. The move would mark Utah's attempt to return to playoff contention after three seasons outside the postseason.

Markkanen is averaging a career-high 28.5 points per game in his ninth NBA season. The 7-foot forward has emerged as a franchise cornerstone following strong performances with Finland's national team this summer. He signed a four-year, $220 million extension with Utah in August 2024.

The extension included a trade restriction that expired at the end of the 2024-25 season. Markkanen can now be traded, but the Jazz appear committed to keeping him. Multiple front offices around the league report similar intel about Utah's intentions.

Utah has not reached the playoffs since the 2021-22 season. The franchise traded Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell that offseason, beginning a roster overhaul.

When Markkanen signed his extension, there was reportedly an understanding that Utah would make "a timely turn toward competing." The 28-year-old forward has publicly expressed his affection for Salt Lake City.

The Jazz front office, led by Danny Ainge and Austin Ainge, has been difficult for rival teams to read. However, league-wide sentiment now suggests Utah is ready to accelerate its timeline. The team appears poised to become buyers rather than sellers as the trade deadline approaches.

Utah's first round pick this season is only protected if it lands in the top-8 as it will otherwise be sent to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

 

[Regular_P]

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/282946/Jazz-Signal-Intent-To-Build-Around-Lauri-Markkanen-Rather-Than-Explore-Trade

The Utah Jazz are signaling a shift away from rebuilding mode. League sources increasingly believe the team will add talent around Lauri Markkanen this trade season rather than trade their star forward. The move would mark Utah's attempt to return to playoff contention after three seasons outside the postseason.

Markkanen is averaging a career-high 28.5 points per game in his ninth NBA season. The 7-foot forward has emerged as a franchise cornerstone following strong performances with Finland's national team this summer. He signed a four-year, $220 million extension with Utah in August 2024.

The extension included a trade restriction that expired at the end of the 2024-25 season. Markkanen can now be traded, but the Jazz appear committed to keeping him. Multiple front offices around the league report similar intel about Utah's intentions.

Utah has not reached the playoffs since the 2021-22 season. The franchise traded Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell that offseason, beginning a roster overhaul.

When Markkanen signed his extension, there was reportedly an understanding that Utah would make "a timely turn toward competing." The 28-year-old forward has publicly expressed his affection for Salt Lake City.

The Jazz front office, led by Danny Ainge and Austin Ainge, has been difficult for rival teams to read. However, league-wide sentiment now suggests Utah is ready to accelerate its timeline. The team appears poised to become buyers rather than sellers as the trade deadline approaches.

Utah's first round pick this season is only protected if it lands in the top-8 as it will otherwise be sent to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

I think this probably has more to do with the fact Utah is trying to rape another team for all their assets and nobody is going for it (typical Ainge). They're so far away from competing with OKC, Denver, Houston and the Lakers.

Markkanen's in his prime right now and they're 6-13. Who else are you excited about on their team? Bailey looks legit and George has made a leap of sorts but the rest of the roster is a question mark. By the time they put the pieces in place, Markkanen will be at the end of his prime and needing a new contract. I just don't see it.

They also can't go for it and then hand OKC the 9th pick in the draft.

 

[42 Monks]

that's a weird article because you've got guys like austin who took a paycut off the rookie/undrafted scale and still dramatically improved along the way - and then you've got players that are still on a rookie contract and due massive pay days

especially duren if he keeps it up and makes the all-star team

 

[FAH1223]

 

[DoubleJ13]

Let's go Heat

 

[42 Monks]