Melo passes Hayes, now 10th all time in points

Lauri Markkanen has become an All-Star with the Utah Jazz. In spite of that, or maybe because of it, other teams plan to test Utah’s willingness to part with Markkanen via trade.

There currently isn’t any sense that the Jazz might part with the versatile 7-footer. However, at least a couple of teams are planning to make a run at Markkanen. Conversations could start as soon as next week’s G League Showcase.

Markkanen’s contract is for $17.3 million this season. Next season, Markkanen’s deal is for $18 million, but is only guaranteed for $6 million. Presumably, any team that acquires Markkanen would eventually like to discuss extending the Finnish star.

Joel Embiid has a narrow lead over Nikola Jokic in ESPN’s final MVP straw poll for the 22-23 season.

Embiid has 790 total points to Jokic’s 788, but Jokic has 42 first place votes compared to 40 for Embiid.

Embiid finished in second place on 45 ballots, six more than Jokic.

Giannis Antetokounmpo received 18 first place votes, 15 second place votes and 64 third place votes.

Rounding out the top-5 are Jayson Tatum and Luka Doncic. Tatum appears to have a firm grasp on the fourth spot, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Domantas Sabonis as threatening Jokic for the fifth spot.