Lauri Markkanen is the greatest title left on the NBA commerce market. The 27-year-old ahead is being shopped by the Utah Jazz as he turns into eligible for a contract extension subsequent month. Utah looks like a franchise at a crossroads, and its resolution to maintain or deal the perfect participant on the crew will outline its upcoming season.
Markkanen ought to have a large marketplace for his companies, however there’s been one crew talked about most regularly as a possible commerce accomplice: the Golden State Warriors. After failing to land Paul George earlier this offseason, the Warriors are reportedly on the negotiating desk with Utah over Markkanen, and a transparent define of a possible commerce is beginning to kind. The one query is that if the Warriors’ entrance workplace, now led by Mike Dunleavy, is able to meet Danny Ainge’s asking value.
NBA insider Shams Charania laid out the sticking level within the commerce talks between the Warriors and Jazz over Markkanen. Right here’s his full report, through SiriusXM NBA Radio:
Right here’s what the Jazz are asking for in a Markkanen commerce, in keeping with Charania:
- Brandin Podziemski
- 3 unprotected first spherical picks
- 3-4 unprotected decide swaps
- 3-4 second spherical picks
“From the Warriors perspective, if it’s Podziemski, then there’s not all of the picks,” Charania stated. “If it’s all of the picks, then it’s not going to be Podziemski. Either side are entrenched proper now saying nothing goes to vary.”
There’s one large title lacking from these commerce discussions: Jonathan Kuminga. The 21-year-old Kuminga is up for a contract extension this summer time. Kuminga took a noticeable leap in his third 12 months this previous season, however there are nonetheless questions on his function on the crew and if he suits into Golden State’s beginning lineup. Kuminga figured to be concerned in any Markkanen commerce, so it’s attention-grabbing that the Jazz apparently don’t really need him.
Podziemski was a revelation this previous season after the Warriors chosen him with the No. 19 total decide within the 2023 NBA Draft. He ultimately changed Klay Thompson within the Warriors’ beginning lineup, and went on to be named All-Rookie First Staff. Podziemski isn’t the largest or most athletic guard, however he has an unbelievable knack for getting concerned in performs and making a constructive contribution for his crew. He simply is aware of precisely the place to be always, and he hardly ever takes something off the desk with a well-rounded talent set. With three low-cost seasons remaining on his rookie deal, it is sensible he’s a participant Utah is focusing on in commerce talks.
Markkanen-to-the-Warriors is a captivating deal on the floor for a number of causes. The Warriors nonetheless have Stephen Curry acting at an elite stage at 36 years previous, and know they should add another large piece to present him one other shot at a championship. On the identical time, the Western Convention is totally loaded, and it’s attainable that buying and selling for Markkanen and depleting their future commerce property nonetheless wouldn’t be sufficient to get them excessive.
Can Utah actually afford to hold on to Markkanen this season? The Jazz wish to rebuild, and they’re going to want a whole lot of losses to get in the Cooper Flagg derby on the prime of the 2025 NBA Draft. Markkanen most likely doesn’t match Utah’s timeline both method, but it surely’s already getting crowded on the backside within the race for Flagg.
Don’t be stunned if one other crew tries to get into the Markkanen commerce derby. Nobody anticipated Ainge to commerce Donovan Mitchell to Cleveland, or Rudy Gobert to Minnesota. The Jazz government units a sky-high asking value for his star gamers, and waits for somebody to satisfy it. Now it’s as much as the Warriors to see in the event that they wish to play ball and make one of many boldest trades of the NBA offseason.
