Lauri Markkanen is the greatest identify 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 staff will outline its upcoming season.
Markkanen ought to have a large marketplace for his companies, however there’s been one staff talked about most incessantly 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 type. The one query is that if the Warriors’ entrance workplace, now led by Mike Dunleavy, is able to meet Danny Ainge’s asking worth.
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, based on Charania:
- Brandin Podziemski
- 3 unprotected first spherical picks
- 3-4 unprotected choose swaps
- 3-4 second spherical picks
“From the Warriors perspective, if it’s Podziemski, then there’s not all of the picks,” Charania mentioned. “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 alter.”
There’s one massive identify 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 staff and if he matches 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 choose within the 2023 NBA Draft. He ultimately changed Klay Thompson within the Warriors’ beginning lineup, and went on to be named All-Rookie First Group. 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 staff. He simply is aware of precisely the place to be always, and he not often takes something off the desk with a well-rounded ability set. With three low-cost seasons remaining on his rookie deal, it is smart he’s a participant Utah is focusing on in commerce talks.
Markkanen-to-the-Warriors is an enchanting deal on the floor for a number of causes. The Warriors nonetheless have Stephen Curry acting at an elite degree at 36 years previous, and know they should add yet another massive piece to offer 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 need to rebuild, and they’ll want a number of losses to get in the Cooper Flagg derby on the high of the 2025 NBA Draft. Markkanen in all probability doesn’t match Utah’s timeline both approach, nevertheless it’s already getting crowded on the backside within the race for Flagg.
Don’t be stunned if one other staff 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 worth 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 need to play ball and make one of many boldest trades of the NBA offseason.
