Jazz Willing To Trade Lauri Markkanen To Warriors If They Include 1 Player

The Golden State Warriors have made their interest in acquiring Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz no secret. Thus far, however, they have faced one major roadblock in making that trade a reality.

Jazz Willing To Trade Lauri Markkanen To Warriors If They Include 1 Player

Up to this point three teams have expressed a desire in acquiring Markkanen, though Golden State seems best-positioned to make something happen.

This week NBA insider Marc Stein shined a light on where things stand between the Warriors and Jazz.

Apparently, the latter squad has serious interest in one key Golden State role player.

“There is a belief in some corners of the league that Utah’s interest in Golden State’s Brandon Podziemski, in combination with future draft compensation that the Warriors could package with the All-Rookie first team selection, is serious enough that it keeps alive the prospect of a Markkanen trade between now and Aug. 6,” Stein wrote.

“That, as you’ve surely heard by now, is the first day Markkanen is eligible to renegotiate-and-extend his contract with the Jazz at a much higher number than his $18 million expiring salary for 2024-25.”

That said, the Warriors would seemingly prefer an alternative option.

“Yet there is also a growing belief leaguewide that the Warriors would be more willing to move Jonathan Kuminga in a Markkanen trade — or any big-swing deal — than Podziemski,” Stein continued.

“To this point, however, it must be noted that Golden State’s offers for Markkanen have centered around a package featuring Moses Moody and draft compensation without including Podziemski or Kuminga.”

From a talent perspective, both Podziemski and Kuminga bring a lot to the table. Where the difference lays is in their contracts. The latter is on the final year of his rookie deal and will need a new one soon. The former is only on Year 2 of his four-year deal.

Golden State is going to need to figure out who is worth what before proceeding here.

Still, if you are the Warriors and you can get an All-Star of Markkanen’s capabilities to play alongside Stephen Curry, you are almost obligated to do it regardless of what it means long-term.