The Golden State Warriors remain firm in one major stance if they were to receive Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen via a trade. The Dubs are the reported frontrunners to acquire the seven-foot Finnish big man. Landing him would be the crowning jewel of a successful offseason for the Warriors, which saw them reload with Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson, and De’Anthony Melton after they lost longtime core member Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks and future Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul to the San Antonio Spurs.
Warriors Insist One Crucial Stance On Lauri Markkanen Trade
Despite their dire need for a huge piece like Markkanen, the Warriors are not willing to part with some of their prized assets. They have asserted that incoming second-year guard Brandin Podziemski shall not be included in any trade package for the 27-year-old Jazz forward, per Marc Stein on Substack.
The Warriors, as of Sunday, continued to be regarded as the league’s most ardent Markkanen suitor … but at the same time still unwilling to surrender Brandin Podziemski in a trade package for the 7-foot Finn.
The Warriors, led by general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr., have attempted to create trade packages for Markkanen that do not include either Podziemski or forward Jonathan Kuminga. However, they have been unsuccessful in meeting the likely high asking price set by Jazz alternate governor and CEO of basketball operations Danny Ainge. Markkanen had a slightly down campaign in 2023-24 compared to his NBA All-Star appearance and Most Improved Player award the previous year. He averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in just 55 games. A shoulder injury along with the Jazz going the tanking route at the end limited his appearances.
Brandin Podziemski Had An Incredible Rookie Season
Podziemski turned out to be a pleasant surprise in an inconsistent season for the Warriors after the team selected him with the 19th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. The 21-year-old averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 26.6 minutes per game over 74 regular season contests. The Wisconsin native’s sensational debut campaign earned him a spot on the 2023-24 NBA All-Rookie First Team.
However, the Warriors still failed to make the 2024 NBA Playoffs despite significant contributions from rookies Podziemski and center Trayce Jackson-Davis. The Sacramento Kings eliminated them from postseason contention in the play-in tournament after they finished as the 10th seed in the Western Conference.
Major Clue On Lauri Markkanen’s Future
Meanwhile, a huge hint regarding Markkanen’s future has surfaced. The Jazz recently sent some of their coaching staff to work with the 2022-23 NBA Most Improved Player in his home country Finland, suggesting they might be planning to keep him on their roster for the upcoming 2024-25 season
Incoming second-year Jazz guard Keyonte George is also in Finland working with Markkanen. The team has been posting about their workouts on social media, making a sudden trade to the Bay Area seem increasingly unlikely given their preparations.
The clock is ticking for the rest of the league on a potential Markkanen trade. He will enter the final year of his current contract worth $18 million in salary for the 2024-25 season. On August 6, the former Arizona Wildcat will become eligible to negotiate an extension. If he re-signs with the Jazz on the first day, he cannot be traded for six months. Thus, his eligibility for a move will align exactly with the NBA trade deadline for the 2024-25 season, set for February 6. If he were to re-sign after August 6, no team will be able to trade for him.
