OPEN: Understanding TRADE TALK : Utah Jazz Strategy and Lauri Markkanen’s Future | Ace Bailey Shiines

David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, breaks down what it truly means when a team is "open to trading" a star like Lauri Markkanen. Locke clarifies that the Utah Jazz are not actively pursuing a Markkanen deal, emphasizing his unique versatility, contract value, and perfect fit alongside rising rookie Ace Bailey and other young prospects. He challenges the logic behind trading a proven cornerstone, arguing that Markkanen’s skill set allows him to mesh with any lineup as the franchise builds toward contention. Locke also unpacks the impact of rookie contract structures, projecting how the Jazz can leverage cap space to assemble a dynamic core around Keonte George, Walker Kessler, and future draft picks—without gutting the roster for speculative returns. The episode takes listeners inside preseason excitement, spotlighting Ace Bailey’s rapid-fire shooting skills and raising crucial questions about Cody Williams' early struggles and projected role. Locke examines the evolution of the point guard position, hypothesizing that Keonte George will seize the starter slot barring major breakthroughs from Isaiah Collier or Walt Clayton. With Taylor Hendricks, Walker Kessler, and Lowry Markkanen’s collective wingspan, Locke wonders if defensive length alone could swing close games for Utah. On-court chemistry gets a fresh boost in the wake of Colin Sexton, John Collins, and Jordan Clarkson’s departures, as Locke notes a shift toward team-first basketball. Tactics, cap management, and player development all combine for a nuanced outlook on the future of the Jazz. 00:00 "SEG Plus Updates & Features" 05:46 "Building a Team for Success" 07:06 "Trust Decisions by Experts" 10:11 "Locked On Jazz Discussion Points" 15:03 "Managing Expectations for Cody" 16:45 Jazz Rotation & Point Guard Outlook 21:03 Heroism vs Team Dynamics 28:53 "Walker and Taylor's Growth Plan" 30:19 "Jazz's Walker Decision Explained" Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Quo See why over 90,000 businesses trust Quo, formerly OpenPhone. Get started free and get 20% off your first 6 months at https://www.Quo.com/LOCKEDONNBA . PrizePicks Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup. Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA Peloton Let yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com . Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at https://monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first year FanDuel Right now, new customers can bet just FIVE dollars and if your bet wins—you’ll get THREE HUNDRED dollars in bonus bets to use across the app. Download the FanDuel app now by visiting https://FanDuel.com to get started FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.