Jazz star Lauri Markkanen gave a lengthy podcast interview to Esko Seppänen on his extremely popular sports podcast Urheilucast. The Finn opened up on his new massive contract, money as a motivation for him, his goals for the upcoming NBA season and a surprise confirmation that he had been asked to star in Netflix’s new NBA series.

Lauri Markkanen and the Utah Jazz are about to start training camp, with the first pre-season game only a week away on Friday and less than a month to the start of the NBA regular season.

Markkanen was interviewed by Finland’s most popular sports podcaster Esko Seppänen on his Urheilucast (Sportscast) program. The interview gave us his thoughts on the past, the future as well as his trips to the local disc golf shop in Utah.

Over the summer Markkanen was the target of many a rumor, with the Jazz reportedly in discussions with several other NBA teams about a possible trade. The Jazz star told that this didn’t feel as bad as it might have before, but also made clear his strong desire to stay in Utah.

– The biggest thing for me previously was when I was traded from Cleveland to Utah. I felt that I had done everything right, done what the coach had asked and even played out of position. Of course I understood what they received in the trade. After that trade it’s perhaps been easier to understand this side of the NBA.

– I can admit that much, that my wife was more ready to leave Utah than I was. She’s moved as many times as I have; you just go to a new place and adapt to that. For me leaving would’ve been harder than for my family, I think.

Markkanen signed a massive new contract extension with the Jazz in August, which guaranteed him more than 200 million dollars in salary for future season. It was clear to him that he had to sign such an offer, when the club presented it to him.

– I’m getting a bit older, and I’ve seen many times in the NBA what can happen if you don’t sign such a deal, when it’s on the table. Things can go badly and you might get injured.

– When I signed a deal like that, in a place like this, where I believe in what the team is doing and where I’m feeling good to be, it’s a fantastic feeling.

”My bank account doesn’t matter anymore”

You might think that after signing a deal worth more than 200 million, the player’s thoughts might be on the massive pile of money coming to him. For Markkanen, it’s the opposite.

– I’ve reached that point now where it doesn’t motivate me anymore. I compete with the best every day and my internal drive is stronger than ever. What’s in my bank account doesn’t really matter anymore. I get to focus fully on taking steps forward to be even better on the court.

There was lots of talk during the summer in Finland about Markkanen’s future choices. Signing with the bottom-dwelling and quite possibly tanking Jazz was, at least among some, seen as a lack of ambition and not caring about winning. Markkanen disputes this strongly.

– When you talk about ambition and me not wanting to win, I fell that it’s even bigger for me this way. I’m trying to take this team to the promised land myself. That goal hasn’t changed and I want to do it here.

Markkanen the TV star in Netflix’s new hit series?

Markkanen also revealed in the Urheilucast interview that he had been asked to take part in Netflix’s new ten-part NBA series “Starting 5”. The show will be a reality TV look at the life of some of NBA’s biggest stars on and off the court.

The series will feature NBA stars Jimmy Butler, Anthony Edwards, LeBron James, Domantas Sabonis and Jayson Tatum.

– I had originally said that I’m in, when I was asked.

In the end the Finn snubbed Netflix and chose not to take part in the series that would’ve seen TV crews following his every step both at home and on the court. The decision was clearly a difficult one for Markkanen, even though his personality might not be suited to starring in such a series.

– Number one, the time it would’ve required. Also, I’ve protected my family and our privacy, and Netflix would’ve had the right to show everything. I know myself pretty well, and I didn’t think it would’ve been worth it. But it did feel difficult to say no. It’s Netflix and such a huge series.

As one of his personal goals for the new season Markkanen lists joining the 50/40/90 club. There are only nine players in NBA history who have made it.

– It would be fun to join that club. It’s a really difficult thing to achieve and the last two years I’ve played really close to those averages. I know that I’m taking good shots if I’m close to those numbers. It’s a small side quest.

Markkanen came super-close to the club’s admission last season, making 39,9 % of his three point shots and 89,9 % of his free throws.

– I think I counted I was two made three-pointers and five made free throws away from making it.

A few weeks ago Markkanen’s other sporting hobby, disc golf, made the headlines after a Reddit user detailed his experience of playing a round with NBA star – without knowing who he was when they started out.

The Reddit user also told how he had recommended Markkanen a 3-for-2 offer on used discs, before he realised that the NBA player might afford to buy new discs.

– I know that shop and I’ve visited it often. But I’ve bought new discs so far. Actually I hadn’t seen that offer before. But it’s a really good offer!

You can listen to the whole podcast interview on Urheilucast (in Finnish) below