The Golden State Warriors remain determined in their pursuit of Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen, but a key sticking point continues to be the inclusion of second-year guard Brandin Podziemski in trade discussions. Despite their strong interest, the Warriors are reportedly unwilling to part with the young talent, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
Stein’s recent Substack report highlights Golden State’s reluctance to involve Podziemski or forward Jonathan Kuminga in trade packages, which have largely been centered around future draft compensation. The Jazz, under CEO of basketball operations Danny Ainge, have yet to see an offer that meets their high asking price for the All-Star forward.
Podziemski, who had a promising rookie season with the Warriors, has become a valued asset within the organization. Head coach Steve Kerr gave him significant playing time, with the 21-year-old averaging 26.6 minutes per game—an uncommon feat for a rookie under Kerr’s leadership. Additionally, Warriors owner Joe Lacob has publicly praised Podziemski, even labeling him a “future All-Star.”
Despite the ongoing trade rumours, Podziemski remains level-headed. In a recent appearance on “The Dinner Table” podcast, he expressed his enjoyment of the speculation while emphasizing his focus on improving his game. “It’s very fun for me. I love it,” Podziemski said. “It’s cool to see different things every day—people’s comments, and if I should be [traded] or shouldn’t be. For me, from a basketball perspective, social media aside, I try to put that away and just work on what I can control right now.”
For the Warriors, acquiring a player of Markkanen’s calibre could significantly bolster their championship aspirations as they navigate the latter stages of Steph Curry’s illustrious career. However, the clock is ticking, with Markkanen becoming trade-eligible on Tuesday, August 6. As the Jazz continue to facilitate training sessions for Markkanen in his native Finland, Stein notes that “more than one rival team” believes the likelihood of Utah trading their star forward has diminished.
As the deadline looms, it seems increasingly likely that Podziemski will remain a Warrior, putting an end to the weeks-long trade saga. While the Warriors’ pursuit of Lauri Markkanen may continue, their commitment to retaining Podziemski signals their long-term investment in the young guard’s potential.
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