The Golden State Warriors are, once again, the “most ardent” suitors for Lauri Markkanen, according to the latest intel from Marc Stein. While this isn’t entirely new information, the conversation around Markkanen has shifted significantly in recent days.
It appears the Utah Jazz are gearing up to extend the Finnish All-Star’s contract. Markkanen is keen to stay in Salt Lake City, and Golden State has yet to offer Brandin Podziemski or Jonathan Kuminga. Simply put, Danny Ainge isn’t one to be outmaneuvered. The Warriors can offer all the draft picks they want, but this trade won’t happen without including Podziemski or Kuminga. To get something valuable, you have to give up something valuable. Golden State can’t keep its young talent intact and acquire Markkanen to play alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
Time is running out. Markkanen reportedly wants to sign his extension after August 6, making him ineligible for trade until next offseason. The Warriors have only a couple of days left to negotiate a deal and pry Markkanen out of Utah. The odds are slim, but the NBA is always full of surprises. As long as the Warriors are making calls, they can’t be ruled out of the Markkanen sweepstakes.
Here’s what a potential trade would look like. This type of package would force Utah’s hand and place Markkanen in a competitive Warriors lineup.
A last ditch Warriors-Jazz trade to pry Lauri Markkanen out of Utah before it’s too late
This is just a starting point. It might take even more from Golden State to acquire Markkanen, considering his talent and the minimal pressure on the Jazz to trade him. Both parties seem content with their current arrangement, so the Warriors must make a serious effort to disrupt the status quo and force a change.
The Warriors are very fond of Podziemski, likely for the same reasons Utah has prioritized him in negotiations. While the exact details of the trade talks are unknown, it appears to be a case of “Podziemski or bust” for Utah. The Jazz won’t trade their best player without securing the Warriors’ top prospect.
Podziemski impressed in his first NBA season, earning All-Rookie honors and a spot on the U.S. national select team. His stats — 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists on .454/.385/.633 splits in 26.6 minutes — may not be eye-popping, but he excels in many areas. He’s a major upside player but also solid right now, capable of enhancing Utah’s offense from day one.
A wing in a guard’s body, Podziemski excels at rebounding for his position and provides quality team defense. While not a point guard, he’s a sharp playmaker with a high basketball IQ. Podziemski’s feel for the game, shot-making, and motor make him a valuable investment. He’s poised to be a winning player for the next decade or more.
Utah would also be acquiring Moses Moody, who is ready to thrive in a better situation. Kevon Looney’s expiring contract helps match salaries, allowing Golden State to take on Markkanen’s $18 million contract before negotiating a new long-term max deal.
Markkanen is an ideal second star for the Warriors. While not a self-creator, he’s an elite play-finisher. A true 7-footer with exceptional movement shooting ability, Markkanen can hit 3s from tough angles with a quick trigger. Steve Kerr’s offense is designed to maximize a player like Markkanen. Defenses would struggle to contain both Curry and Markkanen as they move through screens and keep defenders occupied off the ball.
It’s a compelling idea, and the Warriors need to make the most of Curry’s remaining career. He deserves to finish strong, with a real chance to compete in the West. Markkanen brings Golden State dangerously close to the conference heavyweights.
Never. Say. Never.
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