The Utah Jazz reportedly attempted to trade for Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets “this week” as part of a larger plan to land Paul George in free agency, according to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer. “That appears to have been Utah’s dreamiest plot this summer, according to league figures with knowledge of the situation, trading for one or even two more bonafide pieces to then entice George to flee Los Angeles for Salt Lake City,” Fischer wrote. Utah potentially adding George and Bridges alongside 2023 All-Star Lauri Markkanen would have resulted in an intriguing trio, although the plan ultimately fell apart. The New York Knicks ended up acquiring the former Nets wing in a trade on Tuesday, sending out a package that included four unprotected first-round picks. The Jazz don’t appear to be an option for George after missing out on Bridges. Shams Charania of The Athletic reported on Saturday that the 34-year-old will meet with the Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Orlando Magic after entering free agency. Even though Utah’s ideal plan didn’t come to fruition, that won’t prevent the front office from keeping Markkanen in place. Fischer previously revealed on Friday that the Jazz are “expected to prioritize” an extension for the 27-year-old. Markkanen is currently set to earn just over $18 million for the 2024-25 season before he becomes an unrestricted free agent (via Spotrac). He remained efficient last year despite Utah’s 31-51 record, averaging 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game on 48.0/39.9/89.9 shooting splits.
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