NBA Rumors: 2 Jazz Players Off-Limits In Trade Talks

Coming into the season, it was thought that the rebuilding Utah Jazz would continue to trade off all of their veteran assets. But after a 12-7 start, they will not be in 'tank mode' anytime soon. In fact, a report today says that "Utah is considering how to add to this winning unit rather than subtract from it." But they have no intention of trading either of their two best players, Laurie Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson.

In fact, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Atlanta Hawks tried to pry Markkanen loose in return for John Collins. That was a no-go for Danny Ainge and Co. 

Trust me when I tell you the Jazz aren’t moving Markkanen in nearly any scenario, much less for a distressed asset whose team wants him moved. https://t.co/Z7iurrGKVM

— dan c. (@danclayt0n) November 23, 2022

Fischer says that with the breakout season Markkanen is having (22.4 points per game), and Clarkson being a "franchise favorite", those two aren't going anywhere. 

He does add, however, that "the Jazz’s interest in Hawks forward John Collins is real" according to his sources, so they'll have to figure out other ways to get a deal done.

He does speculate that a handful of other Jazz veterans, including  Malik Beasley, Kelly Olynyk, and the currently injured Mike Conley would be the players that could be offered up in a trade, be it for Collins or anybody else.

Photo: Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports