The Golden State Warriors have been keenly pursuing Lauri Markkanen, a player who could potentially elevate them to the top of the Western Conference. Despite months of interest, the Warriors and Utah Jazz have yet to agree on a deal that satisfies both sides, a pressing issue as Markkanen is eligible to sign an extension as early as August 6.
Tony Jones of The Athletic appeared on “ESPN 700,” clarifying that beyond the existing trade difficulties, Markkanen himself is not inclined to be traded.
“I would expect him to sign on August 7, or after August 6. Lauri doesn’t want to be traded,” Jones said on July 29. “I expect him to do it after August 6, so there’s no trade talk this year. I don’t even think him signing on August 6 is even an option. We’re almost 100% trending towards him signing on August 7.”
According to Jones, the Jazz and Markkanen have developed a strong relationship, and with the potential to extend his contract, they could secure one of the top players in the NBA for the foreseeable future.
“Lauri has really taken to Utah. His family has taken to Utah,” Jones said. “Obviously, the Jazz can trade him between now and August 6, and Lauri knows that, but Lauri has forged a really close relationship with Will Hardy. And Will has really found a way to unlock his career.”
Warriors Owner Committed to Winning Championships
After finishing 10th in the Western Conference last season and losing in the Play-In Game, the Golden State Warriors need to make significant roster improvements. They have acquired Buddy Hield, De’Anthony Melton, and Kyle Anderson, but without landing a star like Markkanen, it will be challenging for them to become one of the top teams in the Western Conference.
Despite these concerns, Warriors owner Joe Lacob assured Tim Kawakami of The Athletic that the team remains focused on winning championships.
“I think the window’s probably longer than people give it credit for. He’s in remarkable shape,” Lacob said in July. “I do not see some big slowdown from Steph here. In fact, I would argue he’s one of the best players on the Olympic team.
“I don’t see it closing anytime soon. We all have to understand that Father Time is undefeated, and eventually, that will be the case. But we don’t look at it like it’s a window this year, it has to be this year, what can we do, all in. We’re always trying to make our team as absolutely good as it can be because we’re trying to win championships.”
Lacob’s actions, however, have not always reflected this commitment, as he has been reluctant to trade some of the young talent on the Warriors’ roster.
When asked if Brandin Podziemski is the player the Warriors are unwilling to include in a trade package, Lacob remained non-committal but hinted at his reluctance to part with certain players.
“I’m not going to get into specifics like that, there’s no way,” Lacob said. “(But) I don’t want to give him up, or JK.”
Why Trading Podziemski for Markkanen Makes Sense
If the Warriors can negotiate a deal for Markkanen that benefits both sides, and the hold-up is Podziemski, it could be the decisive factor in their championship aspirations.
While Podziemski had an impressive rookie campaign, averaging 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, he has yet to demonstrate the level of play that Markkanen offers. Markkanen, who averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and shot 39.9% from 3-point range on 9.0 attempts per game last season, is also relatively young at 27. This would not only enhance the Warriors’ chances of winning now but also provide them with a reliable player for the future.
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