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Jazz Free Agency: Utah signs center, loses Dunn while rumors swirl about Markkanen

SALT LAKE CITY — Kris Dunn has become one of the Jazz's best stories over the past season and a half, and his story will now continue outside of Utah.

Dunn reportedly reached an agreement with the LA Clippers late Monday night, according to Bleacher Report and TNT's Chris Haynes. Yahoo reported that the deal could potentially come about via a sign-and-trade with the Jazz.

The Dunn deal capped off an eventful – if not so exciting – day for the Jazz. Utah also signed a new big man, traded another, and their best player caused plenty of excitement in the rumor mill.

The Utah Jazz opened the 2024 free agency period by signing big man Drew Eubanks to a two-year, $10 million deal, according to ESPN. It wasn't exactly the “big game hunting” some fans were hoping for, but Eubanks gives the Jazz some depth on offense.

Eubanks, who was part of a tampering investigation last season after signing with the Phoenix Suns (the Suns lost a 2024 second-round pick in return), averaged 5.1 points and 4.3 rebounds in 75 games for the Suns during the 2023-24 season.

The 27-year-old center has played six NBA seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers and Suns.

His best run came in the 2021-22 season after being claimed off waivers by the Trail Blazers, averaging 14.5 points and 8.5 rebounds in 22 games to finish that season.

Eubanks will likely take over the role vacated by Omer Yurtseven, the 26-year-old center the Jazz released on Monday. Yurtseven played in 48 games, starting 12, and was often the center used when John Collins or Walker Kessler were unavailable. He would have made $2.6 million if the Jazz had kept him.

As for the rumors, reports indicate that the Jazz are listening to offers for Lauri Markkanen. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski said that teams that missed out on Mikal Bridges have eyed Markkanen as a primary target, including the Golden State Warriors, who lost Klay Thompson on Monday.

ESPN's Brian Windhost mentioned that the San Antonio Spurs would also be a possible destination for Markkanen if the Jazz decide to trade him. Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports added the Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings to the list of potential suitors.

However, it would be an extreme offer for the Jazz, who have announced their intention to build their team around Markkanen, to trade the Finnish star. However, it is clear that teams across the league are testing Utah's resolve.

Anna Harden

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