Report: Timberwolves have ‘shown interest’ in Utah star

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, who writes for Yahoo Sports, Minnesota is among the teams that have “shown interest” in the Utah sharpshooter. Fischer began his report by saying the Warriors, Kings and Spurs are “strong possible suitors” to trade for Markannen, while the Jazz, at the same time, are interested in re-signing Markkanen.

“The Jazz have so far indicated to various parties around the NBA they would still like to renegotiate and extend Markkanen when the two sides become eligible to do so in August, sources said, and that listening to offers for Markkanen is just part of doing good business,” Fischer wrote.

In over 50 games in 2023-24, Markkanen averaged 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds had had shooting splits of 48.0/39.9/89.9. He’s due to make $18 million in 2024-25 before becoming an unrestricted free agent after the season.

The Jazz building around Markkanen may make the most sense because they have the first-round picks from Minnesota and Cleveland in the loaded 2025 draft. If they deal Markkanen, the question would be if they trade him for more draft capital or over up-and-coming talent.

(photo: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports / Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports)