It was evident during the 2025 NBA playoffs that the Golden State Warriors need to upgrade their frontcourt. Although their small-ball strategy has served them well over the years, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green’s advancing age is beginning to have an impact on their performance in a smaller group. Especially on Green, who takes over the center position most of the time.
Additionally, the Warriors need another star to compete for a championship. Trading for All-Star forward Jimmy Butler wasn’t enough. When Curry was injured during their playoff run, the team struggled to execute their offense. Even though they had Butler, Golden State’s reliance on their superstar guard disrupted their flow and led to their eventual playoff elimination.
One of the players the Warriors have taken an interest in is Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen. According to longtime NBA commentator Bill Simmons, there is a belief that the Jazz will be attentive to potential trade offers for the one-time All-Star. Markkanen will start his four-year, $195.8 million contract extension next season.
According to the sportsbook Bovada, there are a few teams rumored to acquire the Finnish forward. Among the rumored teams that could land Markkanen, the Golden State Warriors are the favorites, with odds of +205.
Other teams that could potentially make a move to absorb Markkanen and his new contract are the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs.
The Warriors are the favorites to land Lauri Markkanen in a potential trade, per @BovadaOfficial
Golden State Warriors +205
Miami Heat +250
Orlando Magic +325
Dallas Mavericks +450
San Antonio Spurs +650 https://t.co/h207peQ6ab pic.twitter.com/SotiSYLNW1— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 10, 2025
Markkanen had a down year last season, the first time since he was named an All-Star in 2023. He played in 47 games, averaged 19 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists on 42.3 percent shooting from the field. While he’s successful in the regular season, it could be time for the 7-foot star to find a team that would help him in his first postseason appearance.
The Golden State Warriors are rumored to trade for a different Jazz player
The Golden State Warriors would welcome any help they could get to help them contend for a championship. Aside from Markkanen, however, there is another player from the Jazz that the Warriors are rumored to trade for.
According to NBA insider Evan Sidery, the front office could strike a deal with the Jazz and potentially acquire John Collins. This came after Sidery reported that Utah plans to explore trade scenarios for the 6-foot-9 power forward.
“The Jazz plan to explore trade scenarios for John Collins once he opts into his $26.5 million expiring contract,” Sidery posted.
“Collins averaged 18.9 points and 8.2 rebounds on a 62.8 TS% with Utah this season.”
The Jazz plan to explore trade scenarios for John Collins once he opts into his $26.5 million expiring contract.
Collins averaged 18.9 points and 8.2 rebounds on a 62.8 TS% with Utah this season.
Utah almost dealt Collins in February, but it fell through ahead of the deadline. pic.twitter.com/Cd6ufgU6W1
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 10, 2025
Collins averaged 19 points, 8.2 rebounds and two assists.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
