Report: Jazz, F Lauri Markkanen near long-term deal

(Photo credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports)
The Utah Jazz and All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen are expected to reach a long-term deal that will take him off the trade market and keep him from becoming a free agent after the upcoming season, The Athletic reported Tuesday.

Rumors of a reported Markkanen trade never materialized this season, and now it appears the Jazz are prepared to sign him to the richest deal in team hist