Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen has emerged as one of the league's premier talents over the past year.
Since arriving in Salt Lake City last season, the Finnish national has been nothing short of outstanding. He made his inaugural NBA All-Star Game appearance earlier this year and further solidified his rise by capturing the 2023 NBA Most Improved Player award.
Markkanen's NBA journey began when the Chicago Bulls drafted him as the seventh overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. He made an immediate impact, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2018.
However, contract negotiations hit a roadblock in 2021, leading to his trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he spent a single season.
A year after arriving in Cleveland, Markkanen was part of a blockbuster trade deal that saw him, along with Ochai Agbaji, Collin Sexton, three first-round picks, and two pick swaps, move to the Utah Jazz in exchange for star Donovan Mitchell.
Let's look at the details of Lauri Markkanen's contract, career earnings, and salary.
Lauri Markkanen Contract: $67 million
In the summer of 2021, after his trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Markkanen secured a four-year contract extension valued at $67 million, spanning from the 2021-22 season to the 2024-25 season.
Before this, while with the Chicago Bulls, Markkanen was a restricted free agent. However, negotiations for a new contract with the Bulls fell through, ultimately resulting in a sign-and-trade deal with the Cavaliers.
Before his current contract, the seven-foot big man was on a four-year rookie scale deal worth $20,389,668, signed upon being drafted by the Bulls in 2017.
Lauri Markkanen Career Earnings
By the end of the 2023-24 NBA season, Markkanen was projected to have earned $69.4 million solely from his NBA salary over his seven-year tenure in the league, as reported by Spotrac.
It's worth noting that this sum doesn't encompass any additional earnings he might have earned from off-court endeavors, such as endorsement deals.
Furthermore, this estimated amount doesn't factor in potential deductions for taxes, agent commissions, or other associated business costs.
Looking ahead to the conclusion of his current contract after the 2024-25 NBA season, the former Arizona player is projected to have amassed career earnings exceeding $87.5 million.
As Markkanen enters negotiations for his next contract, likely during his prime at 28, there is speculation that he may target a supermax contract, given his ascent as one of the league's premier players.
Lauri Markkanen Salary 2023-24
Markkanen is set to earn $17,259,999 in the ongoing 2023-24 NBA season, positioning him as the fourth highest-paid player on the Utah Jazz roster, according to figures from HoopsHype.
Heading into next season, the Finnish standout's salary is projected to increase to $18,044,544 in the final year of his contract.
Considering his increased production and impact, it wouldn't be surprising if Markkanen secures a deal in his next contract negotiations that doubles or even potentially triples his current salary.
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