The Golden State Warriors are ready to pivot to a former top-five pick if their attempt to acquire Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen fails. The Bay Area squad is attempting to reload after missing the 2024 NBA Playoffs. They have lost longtime star Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks and NBA 75th Anniversary Team member Chris Paul to the San Antonio Spurs this summer. Their offseason moves have included adding Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson, and De’Anthony Melton to replace the departing future Hall of Famers.
However, these additions are not enough to make them significant movers in the highly competitive Western Conference. To put them over the top, the Dubs have set their sights on Markkanen as the crowning piece of their offseason. However, the clock is ticking for them to acquire the seven-foot Finnish big man. He becomes eligible to negotiate an extension with Utah on August 6.
Warriors To Target Top 5 Pick If Lauri Markkanen Trade Fails
The Warriors are still in the midst of negotiating with the Jazz for Markkanen, but if they fail to secure the 27-year-old, they are ready to shift their focus to acquiring center Jonas Valanciunas. Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports reported that an anonymous NBA executive revealed this development and mentioned that the New York Knicks are also keen to land the Lithuanian big man.
“The Knicks, we’ll see how their center spot develops.” said the NBA executive. “The Warriors [will be interested], if the Markkanen thing does not work out.”
Valančiūnas was selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors. He appeared in all 82 games in the regular season for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2023-24, setting a career-high. His durability makes him an attractive option, as he also played in 79 games the year prior and 74 games in the 2021-22 season.
The six-foot-11 center’s size and skill set are highly sought after in today’s league, where many top players are dominant inside. Valančiūnas averaged 12.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 55.9 percent from the field last season. He previously played for the Raptors from 2012 to 2019, the Memphis Grizzlies from 2019 to 2021, and the Pelicans from 2021 until 2024.
Warriors Could Trade One Of Top Young Players For Jonas Valanciunas
The Warriors are willing to part with one of their top young players to acquire Valanciunas. A trade package involving 2021 NBA Draft 14th overall pick Moses Moody, along with center Kevon Looney and perhaps a draft pick, could provide the much-needed boost at the center position for Golden State. Their lack of size has caused them trouble for the past few seasons. Despite making an impact every time he steps on the court, Moody faced difficulties breaking into head coach Steve Kerr’s regular rotation. The 22-year-old averaged 8.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 66 games while accumulating several DNPs during the 2023-24 season, his third campaign in the league.
The Washington Wizards recently acquired Valanciunas in a sign-and-trade deal this summer, inking him to a three-year contract worth $30 million. However, he could become available in the market around the trade deadline in February. He would be an attractive asset for several teams in the league seeking a reliable presence inside.
