The Golden State Warriors have been the most aggressive team on the market when it comes to a trade for Lauri Markkanen on the Utah Jazz. Markkanen would make the Warriors credible Playoff contenders in the West, but the Jazz don’t want to give him up for a low price. If it comes to giving up young stars, the Warriors would prefer giving up Jonathan Kuminga instead of Brandin Podziemski.
“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. 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.”
The Warriors have been trying to get a deal done without giving up either player, but the Jazz won’t be satisfied with that price no matter how many picks are involved.
The Warriors have believed Kuminga can develop into a star for years now, with him averaging 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists last season. If he stays on the franchise, he’s likely going to be their No. 2 option behind Stephen Curry.
Podziemski impressed everyone as a rookie, being named to the All-Rookie First Team for averaging 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists on the Warriors. He took Klay Thompson’s spot last season and is expected to start in the backcourt alongside Curry next season.
Both players bring a lot to the table which would help the Warriors be contenders if they can keep both. But after the price the Knicks paid for Mikal Bridges, Danny Ainge and the Jazz will keep holding out to maximize the trade package like the Nets did from the Knicks.
The Jazz Aren’t Moving From Their Asking Price
The Jazz want to maximize the return they get for Markkanen, who was a small part of the Donovan Mitchell trade which already landed the Jazz multiple future assets from the Cavaliers. The total cost of that trade could become astronomical if the Warriors end up giving in to Utah’s demands.
Shams Charania has already reported the Warriors’ interest in Markkanen and their desire to not give up any player outside Moses Moody, but the Jazz are looking to land both Podz and Kuminga alongside Moody.
“The Golden State Warriors have been the most engaged team for Markkanen in recent weeks, as league sources tell The Athletic they have discussed a proposal around Moses Moody, multiple first-round picks, multiple pick swaps and multiple second-round picks. The Jazz, however, have asked for the bulk of young talent and capital the Warriors possess, including Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, and Brandin Podziemski, along with picks, which has been a non-starter thus far for Golden State, league sources said.”
Lauri averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists last season, which explains why the Warriors want him on the team. He’ll take offensive pressure off Curry while adding size to a frontcourt with Draymond Green. Whether he can excel in Golden State at the same level he did in Utah will remain to be seen, but the Warriors are going to exhaust their options for a Markkanen trade.
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