Lauri Markkanen’s name has been brought up in recent trade rumors quite consistently this offseason, but with no immediate offer on the table, where do the rumors stand, and are the Jazz even looking to ship away their franchise player?
The Golden State Warriors have been desperate to add a star replacement after Klay Thompson signed a contract with the Dallas Mavericks. After suffering through a year of mediocrity that ultimately led to a missed playoff appearance, falling to the Sacramento Kings in the Play-In tournament to secure the 8th seed in the West.
Why the Lauri Markkanen Trade Talks Are Extinguishing
On paper, an addition like Markkanen makes sense. He provides exceptional spacing for his teammates to succeed and has the ability to take over games completely. His stock wasn’t as high as it was in the 2022-23 season, but that may be the main reason the Jazz are looking for a trade partner. His numbers all around dropped off ever so slightly and with Utah nowhere near the position to contend, it makes sense for the team to find an available suitor.
It was only a few weeks ago when we witnessed the peak of the trade rumors brewing between the Jazz and Golden State, but ever since it was leaked that the Jazz was looking for an incredulous amount of draft compensation as well as Golden State’s future players including, Jonathan Kumminga, Brandin Podziemski, and Moses Moody.
It’s a classic case of holding what you have with too high of regard. It doesn’t make much sense for Utah to put such a high value on Markkanen’s head. The team just drafted Duke standout Kyle Filipowski and still has Walker Kessler. It’s clear the Warriors are willing to work with the Jazz on completing a deal but aren’t exactly willing to include Podziemski or Kumminga.
NBA Insider Marc Stein believes the Warriors are willing to comply with the inclusion of Jonathan Kumminga, but under no circumstance are they willing to give away Podziemski, even if it’s for a star like Markkanen:
“There is also a growing belief leaguewide that the Warriors would be more willing to move Jonathan Kuminga in a Markkanen trade — or any big-swing deal — than Podziemski,” Stein wrote. “To this point, however, it must be noted that Golden State’s offers for Markkanen have centered around a package featuring Moses Moody and draft compensation without including Podziemski or Kuminga.”
Other Landing Spots for Lauri Markkanen
The San Antonio Spurs have recently shown definite interest in the Finnish star. According to Brett Siegel, the Spurs have gone to offer Keldon Johnson and multiple first-round picks.
Of course, this offer sounds amazing to the eye, but what exactly are these “multiple first-round picks”? Are they unprotected? What years are they offering exactly? In a situation like this, the picks are most certainly a valuable asset to the Jazz. If the Spurs are willing to part ways with 3-4 upcoming draft selections, it makes sense for the Jazz to look into this offer a lot more.
There’s no question there is a market for Markkanen and at a distance, both of these trade offers sound exceptional, but it’s all of a matter of what the Utah Jazz are looking to do in the future. Whether they see years soon of contention and how serious of a threat they can become with or without Markkanen.
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