Utah Jazz ahead Lauri Markkanen sat down with The Stein Line for a wide-ranging interview. One of many subjects was how Markkanen felt being in commerce rumors all summer season, earlier than signing a contract extension with Utah.
“I imply … it is cool to know that you simply’re needed and it implies that you’ve got executed one thing proper on the basketball court docket that groups want to get you. .. I used to be in a position to take it fairly simple and never fear about it,” Markkanen stated in regards to the rumors of different groups pursuing him.
These rumors had been put to relaxation when Markkanen labored a renegotiation-and-extend contract to stick with the Jazz.
“Clearly I wasn’t a free agent, however it was extra I had the power to do the contract and type of had the selection,” Markkanen stated. “I haven’t got to do it, however that was one thing I needed to get executed to stick with the crew.”
One of many veteran ahead’s causes for staying in Utah is that it reminds him of his house nation of Finland.
“It jogs my memory of house I assume. It’s extremely Finland-like — outside. I am an out of doors particular person. It is not as a lot water as we’ve got in Finland, however like I stated, I am an out of doors particular person. I need to go exterior,” Markkanen stated of dwelling within the Salt Lake Metropolis space.