Lauri Markkanen is proof that patience pays off

Lauri Markkanen is laughing all the way to the bank. The new owner of a five-year, $238 million extension with the Utah Jazz, Markkanen has blossomed into an All-Star and the centerpiece of his franchise. It took a few years, but patience has paid off for the Finnish star — he just needed a franchise to stick with him.

Drafted seventh overall in 2017 after a standout year at Arizona, Markkanen was traded to Chicago on draft night with Zach Lavine and Kris Dunn in exchange for Jimmy Butler. In four seasons with the Bulls, he averaged 15.6 points and 7.1 rebounds, but following the 2020-21 season, Chicago sent him to Cleveland as part of a three-team deal.

His production remained the same in Cleveland and after a year, he was shipped to Utah as part of the Donovan Mitchell trade. Since joining the Jazz, he's elevated his game to new heights, averaging 24.5 points and 8.4 rebounds per game over the past two seasons. He was named an All-Star and the league's most improved player in 2022-23.

Why the change? For starters, the way Utah utilizes him in its offense helps. Markkanen is active, setting screens, rolling to the basket and spotting up for catch-and-shoot opportunities. In Chicago, he wasn't utilized in that way, nor was he the shot-maker that he is now. Second, he's 27 years old with seven seasons under his belt. It's hard to be great in the NBA and oftentimes fans and franchises forget that. It's especially hard for a 19- or 20-year-old to step into the league and flourish immediately.

Markkanen is proof that players need time and the right situation to reach their potential. He's also proof that the grass isn't always greener on the other side of a trade. Minnesota traded away the pick on draft night, but Butler only lasted 69 games in a tension-filled stay with the Timberwolves. Chicago decided Markkanen wasn't in its long-term plans, but has already parted ways with Derrick Jones, Jr. who it received in the trade. Cleveland is happy with Mitchell, but Markkanen has been arguably just as good for the Jazz.

If teams are going to draft young players after one year of college, then they should great player development in place. Markkanen was stagnant in Chicago, even seeing his production decrease over four years as his role declined. That's been a troubling trend in Chicago as the Bulls have been unable to develop draft picks, instead shipping them out for veterans only to see the young players thrive elsewhere. Markkanen, Wendell Carter Jr., Bobby Portis and Daniel Gafford are all examples in the last 10 years.

A franchise recognizing a player's potential makes all the difference. The Jazz have done that with Markkanen and he now has a contract that reflects his play.