In what’s been a whirlwind offseason, the Golden State Warriors are hoping to stabilize their core.
The Warriors have lost Klay Thompson, one-half of the Splash Brothers, to the Dallas Mavericks. In his place is Buddy Hield, a player who is similar to the current version of Thompson. Yet, there’s still a feeling that Golden State needs one big move to compete. After all, even with Thompson, the Warriors struggled throughout 2023-24. By the end of it, Golden State had lost a bit of its gleam, their empire crumbling as the world watched.
Looking to renovate their dynasty, they’ve now set their sights on one-time All-Star, Lauri Markkanen.
Breaking Down Jazz-Warriors Trade Talks
“I don’t think they want to move (Markkanen),” The Athletic insider Shams Charania says of the Jazz while at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
“The Jazz are more focused on Brandin Podziemski”@ShamsCharania breaks down a potential Warriors trade with the Jazz for Lauri Markkanen to @WorldWideWob, @Darthamin, and Ryan McDonough at #NBA2kSummerLeague pic.twitter.com/24qnyamEbN
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) July 16, 2024
“But if the Golden State Warriors put in a (Podziemski) and from what I’m told, three first-round picks, three (or) four unprotected pick swaps, three (or) four second-round picks…”
The Jazz’s focus on Brandin Podziemski is interesting, to say the least.
Why All The Fuss About Brandin Podziemski?
Podziemski lack some a true position.
He’s a gifted playmaker with a penchant for finding open teammates. However, he may not be quick or shifty enough to be full-time point guard. He’s a knockdown 3-point shooter with terrific perimeter defense. Yet, he’s more effective when roaming the passing lanes than chasing around shooting guards.
In many ways, Podziemski is reminiscent of the Warriors’ version of swingman Andre Iguodala. After stints with the Philadelphia 76ers and Denver Nuggets, Iguodala decided to be a connector rather than a scorer. With his athleticism, passing ability, and his spot-up shooting, he became a key piece of their feared and famed ‘Death Lineup.’
That being said, there’s no doubt that Podziemski makes a dynamic impact. If the Jazz were to acquire him, he could start at either wing spot. Yet, there’s a question as to whether he makes sense as a priority.
What’s His Role In Utah?
Utah already has three guards who will likely all play at least 25 minutes per game. Keyonte George and Collin Sexton, both combo guards, are projected to start in the backcourt. Podziemski is a better defender and facilitator than either, but George and particularly Sexton are more advanced scorers.
Theoretically, the Jazz will see a tremendous boost in their efficiency if Podziemski supplants George as a starter though. In that event, the maddeningly streaky George may take the reins as sixth man, which appears to be his natural role. Notably, George has a symbiotic relationship with mentor Jordan Clarkson, the 2021 Sixth Man of the Year.
Nonetheless, though Podziemski is a more refined version of George, the Jazz have propped him up as a potential star. Is Utah ready to change course already?
Of course, they could move Sexton instead. Yet, it would frankly be ridiculous to move him and Markkanen just to ensure they landed Podziemski.
There’s also the possibility they see the Santa Clara product as a sixth man. Unironically, this was the role that Iguodala had with the Warriors.
What About Jonathan Kuminga?
If not Podziemski, the Jazz could target breakout star Jonathan Kuminga.
Kuminga was eyed by the Los Angeles Clippers when they were discussing a sign-and-trade with Golden State, yet he was kept off the menu. To that point, he’s been touted as the Warriors’ next franchise star. Indeed, his promotion that may have put the nail in Klay Thompson’s Bay Area coffin.
Yet, Kuminga coming to the Jazz in a Markkanen trade makes more sense logistically.
For starters, both Kuminga and Markkanen play the same primary position. Secondly, they’re both projected to be in the first unit next season. Lastly, they fit the team’s needs better. In Golden State, Markkanen’s 3-point shooting complements a frontcourt that will feature Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Kevon Looney. In Utah, Kuminga’s slash-heavy game is ideal for a frontcourt littered with stretch-big men.
“Kuminga is a name but I think, for everything I’m told, the Jazz are more focused on Brandin Podziemski and his inclusion in the deal. All the picks being in the deal.
And I think from the Warriors perspective, it’s Podziemski, but then there’s not all the picks and if it’s all the picks, then there’s not going to be a Podziemski.”
The outlook from the Warriors may be the same. Whether they surrender Podziemski or Kuminga, they don’t want to give up both a prized young player and a haul of first-round picks. As Podziemski likely has a lower standalone trade value than Kuminga, it’s more likely Golden State will relent if he’s part of the deal.
Nonetheless, if the Warriors hold firm in their ultimatum, the Jazz may as well prioritize Kuminga over Podziemski.
