A Finnish Addition? OKC Thunder Has 'Highest Odds' to Be Lauri Markkanen's Next Team

While Utah Jazz big man Lauri Markkanen has still another year-and-a-half on his current contract, the talks regarding where his next landing spot will be have already begun, and Oklahoma City tops the ranking.

Missing two weeks wasn't in the cards for Utah Jazz big man Lauri Markkanen, but he's made the most of his return since he's been back. 

The Finnish rising star has taken the league by storm with his strong play on the court —  boasting a Most Improved Player award and a two-way efficiency the likes of which any team would desire from a modern-day big — but because of his Finnish military commitment, he's made headlines off of it, too. 

Lauri Markkanen is fulfilling his mandatory military service in Finland. 👀 pic.twitter.com/6Uq44cm2ex

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 19, 2023

Markkanen spent his offseason training for the military and serving in it, but when he returned, he continued business as usual. This season, he's averaged 24.1 points and 8.8 rebounds as a 40-percent 3-point shooter and 50 percent shooter from the floor. 

Add in the fact that he's a 7-footer tall as well, and the Jazz has it made with its star. But how long will he stay in Utah?

The forward signed a four-year, $67 million contract ahead of his final season in Cleveland, which carried over into that year and then the year following in Utah. Markkanen is currently in his second season with the Jazz, but despite having another year-and-a-half left, the talks regarding his long-term home have already begun.

And surprisingly, Oklahoma City has the highest odds to be that place.

Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

According to BetOnline.ag, the Thunder's chances at bringing in the Finnish big man are +200, which lead all teams. In second place, the high-powered Indiana Pacers add Markkanen to build an unconventional super team, while the Memphis Grizzlies add him as a complement to a now-injured Ja Morant in third place.

The Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs round out the top-5, but while all of those figures are merely exploratory, it's interesting to say the least.

Markkanen would bring a strong offensive presence to the Thunder and provide a boost to the already-thriving young squad, being of youth himself. Whether by trade or through free agency, Oklahoma City certainly has the means to land him, so the next step is to explore his fit and determine whether or not it wants him.

But considering how well he's played as of late, it'd be hard not to.

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