Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen dribbles past Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski during a game between their two teams. Credit: Alex Goodlett/Getty Images
Lauri Markkanen may not be among the NBA stars making waves in the Olympics, but he’s still making headlines for his play. It’s been long known that the Golden State Warriors are heavily interested in acquiring his services from the Utah Jazz.
However, both teams are finding it difficult to package a satisfactory deal that lets the Jazz send their franchise centerpiece to the Dubs without compromising their rebuild timeline. Moreover, rumors of a potential 1-2 partnership with Brandon Ingram may have completely dashed the Warriors’ hopes of getting him.
Mar 27, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) brings the ball up the court against the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
An NBA insider revealed that Golden State is far from done with their chase. He stated that the Dubs are doing everything within their power to get the trade through without losing their key contributors.
Golden State Warriors remain steadfast in Lauri Markkanen pursuit
Feb 12, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) is fouled by Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) during the second quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
Respected NBA insider Marc Steiner revealed that the Warriors are still interested in getting Markkanen in their roster without sending any of their top young prospects the other way.
Prominent NBA insider Marc Steiner reported that the Warriors are still pursuing Markkanen without offering Podziemski or Jonathan Kuminga. Obviously, this won’t pique the interest of Jazz CEO of basketball operations Danny Ainge. But given the recent turn of events, it seems like trading their star forward away won’t be an issue any longer.
In the same article, Stein also revealed that the Jazz sent coaches to Markkanen’s home in Finland to help him get in better shape ahead of the 2024-25 campaign. The Jazz wouldn’t be making such a move if they were seriously considering the possibility of sending Markkanen to the Bay Area.
It’s understandable why the Golden State Warriors want to bag Markkanen. The Finnisher averaged 23.2 PPG, 8.2 RPG, and 2.0 APG last season despite only playing 55 games due to injury.
Mar 27, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) warms up before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Should the Warriors manage to get him without sacrificing either Podziemski or Kuminga, the Dubs will be one of the most terrifying teams to face next season.
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Christian Alamodin first fell in love with the NBA during the peak years of the Yao Ming-Tracy McGrady era of the Houston Rockets, and he hasn't looked back since. An AB Communication graduate from the Ateneo de Manila University, he enjoys writing about the NBA as well as following other sports leagues.
