The Golden State Warriors have missed out on every big name they have tried to land this offseason. From LeBron James to Giannis Antetokounmpo to Jaylen Brown, every blockbuster target has slipped away. That sad reality has led Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey to propose another big idea, one that will surely divide Warriors fans.
Golden State Warriors Receive: Lauri Markkanen, John Konchar
Utah Jazz Receive: Jimmy Butler, Yaxel Lendeborg, 2028 Golden State Warriors first-round pick, 2030 Golden State Warriors first-round pick, 2032 Golden State Warriors first-round pick
The Warriors have tried really hard this offseason. They first went after Giannis, who they did not really have a great chance at landing, but they still submitted a solid offer.
Then came Jaylen Brown, whom they targeted at the February deadline itself, but refused to give up three first-round picks for at the time. And they still went after Brown this time around, but were unable to land him.
Then came LeBron James, whom they went after really hard. Stephen Curry made two pitches, and Draymond Green tried to recruit him during a trip. They came really close to landing him, as Rich Paul revealed they were the finalists, but eventually LeBron joined the Philadelphia 76ers.
And this trade idea could be the kind of move they have to make after suffering for so long.
The Warriors Have To Take A Big Risk On An Injury-Prone Star
On paper, Lauri Markkanen would be the ideal player next to Stephen Curry. The seven-footer is one of the NBA’s best stretch forwards and is capable of scoring at all three levels. Last season was his best year to date, as Markkanen averaged 26.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 47.7% from the field and 35.5% from three-point range.
There are concerns about availability. Markkanen was limited to just 42 games last season because of injuries, as that continues a trend that has followed him throughout his career. The Warriors would also be taking on a major financial commitment. He is entering the second year of his four-year, $195 million extension and is set to earn $46.1 million next season before his salary rises to $49.8 million in 2027-28 and $53.5 million in 2028-29.
Konchar would add additional depth after averaging 4.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 47.2% from the field with the Jazz and Grizzlies last season. The 30-year-old is entering the final season of his three-year, $18.4 million contract, under which he will make $6.1 million this season.
The Jazz Will Accept This Deal In A Second
The Utah Jazz would accept this deal in a heartbeat. Sure, they would lose out on an All-Star in Lauri Markkanen, but a young, promising rookie along with three first-round picks would make up for it. Plus, with Butler’s expiring contract, this could be worth the risk. For a rebuilding franchise, this type of package would be difficult to turn down.
The Warriors would have to surrender quite a lot to make this work. Jimmy Butler remains one of the Warriors’ biggest question marks this offseason after suffering a torn ACL. Before the injury, he averaged 20.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists while shooting 51.9% from the field and 37.6% from beyond the arc. Butler is expected to return at some point next season, but there is no guarantee he’ll be back to his All-Star form after such a major injury.
His contract also expires at the end of next season, with Butler set to earn $56.8 million in the final year of his two-year, $110.9 million extension.
The Warriors will also have to part ways with one of their best young players. Yaxel Lendeborg, the No. 11 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, has become a fan favorite after winning the 2026 Summer League MVP, averaging 14.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in Las Vegas. He led the Warriors to the Summer League championship with a 21-point, 10-rebound performance in the title game. The rookie recently signed his first deal, a four-year, $28.1 million contract, and will earn $6 million this season.
And then come the draft picks. Three future first-round picks are a massive price considering Markkanen’s injury history, along with the fact that they would give up a promising rookie in Lendeborg as well.
This Desperate Move Can Cost The Warriors Their Future
The Warriors’ calculation is far more troublesome. After missing out on every superstar they pursued this summer, pressure is building on the front office and ownership to make the most of Stephen Curry’s remaining years. Even if Butler returns at some point in January, there are legitimate concerns about whether he will have enough time to reach his peak form or if the Warriors can even compete with Butler in the stacked Western Conference.
Lauri Markkanen will no doubt raise the ceiling if he can remain healthy.
But sacrificing Butler, Lendeborg, and three first-round picks for another player with injury concerns is the type of all-in move that could either extend the Warriors’ title hopes a little bit or leave the franchise ruing its own desperate swing during Curry’s swansong years.
