Day: August 6, 2024

Lauri Markkanen and the Utah Jazz are expected to agree to a long-term contract extension on Wednesday or later, which will make him ineligible for a trade during the 24-25 season. The Jazz hold $33 million in cap space they can use to increase Markkanen’s contract for the 24-25 season to maximize his earnings. Markkanen’s deal is projected to be worth upwards of $200 million over five years and will keep him under contract through 2029.

If Markkanen would have signed the extension on Tuesday, he could have been traded at the deadline.

The Jazz held Markkanen trade conversations with several serious suitors over the last month, including the San Antonio Spurs, Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors. The Warriors made the most aggressive offer with Moses Moody, multiple first round picks, pick swaps and second round picks offered.

The Jazz acquired Markkanen as part of the 2022 trade of Donovan Mitchell and emerged as a franchise cornerstone.

The United States defeated Brazil 122-87 to reach the semifinals of the Olympics where they will play Serbia. With Tuesday’s 35-point win, Team USA has won each of its first four games by at least 15 points.

Joel Embiid established himself in the first half with 14 points and seven rebounds in 12 minutes.

Kevin Durant had 11 points in the game to pass Lisa Leslie for the most points in American Olympic history.

Charles Barkley will remain with TNT and fulfill his contract even if the network loses NBA media rights as expected. Barkley said at The Finals that the 2024-25 season would be his last on television no matter what eventually happened with the NBA’s media deal negotiations. He signed a 10-year contract extension with TNT Sports in 2022.

Barkley was expected to receive interest from ESPN, NBC and Amazon.

“I love my TNT Sports family. My No. 1 priority has been and always will be our people and keeping everyone together for as long as possible,” Barkley said in a statement. “… I’m looking forward to continuing to work with them both on the shows we currently have and new ones we develop together in the future.

“This is the only place for me. I have to say … I’ve been impressed by the leadership team who is fighting hard and have been aggressive in adding new properties to TNT Sports, which I am very excited about. … I’m going to give my all as we keep [fans] entertained for years to come.”

Barkley has also served as an analyst for the NCAA Tournament.