The NBA off-season may be winding down, but trade rumors continue to swirl, particularly around Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen. One team with a keen interest in acquiring him is the Golden State Warriors. However, negotiations have hit a snag as the Jazz and Warriors are at odds over key trade pieces.
Veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein reveals that the Jazz are eyeing Warriors’ rookie Brandin Podziemski. In contrast, Golden State prefers to include Moses Moody in their trade offers. Interestingly, the Warriors seem more inclined to part with Jonathan Kuminga than Podziemski.
According to Stein, Utah’s desire for Lauri Markkanen, coupled with potential draft picks from the Warriors, keeps the possibility of a Markkanen trade alive until August 6th. This date is crucial as it’s when Markkanen becomes eligible for a significant contract extension with the Jazz, which would increase his $18 million salary for the 2024-25 season.
League insiders believe that while the Warriors might entertain trading Kuminga for a significant acquisition like Markkanen, they are not ready to include Podziemski. So far, Golden State’s proposals have centered around Moody and draft picks without involving either Podziemski or Kuminga.
Lauri Markkanen had an impressive rookie season, averaging 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, while shooting 38.5% from three-point range. His ability to break into the Warriors’ rotation and perform well under coach Steve Kerr has made him a valuable asset. Kerr praised Podziemski’s impact on the team’s best lineups and his overall game intelligence, indicating the team’s reluctance to let him go.
Kerr commented late last season, “I don’t care if he scores or not. He is in every one of our best lineups. He is our best plus-minus guy (plus-3.8) for the year. He is really good, no matter whether he is scoring or not. I know, especially as a rookie, that he’ll have ups and downs from a scoring standpoint, and right now, he is in a down period. But he allows other guys to play well just because of his recognition of what is happening on the floor, his cuts, ball movement, spacing. I’m thrilled with Brandin, and as long as he keeps playing as hard as he is, he’ll be out there.”
Podziemski’s shooting, versatility, and game understanding are reasons why the Warriors are keen to retain him, while the Jazz are eager to acquire him. The unfolding negotiations will reveal whether either side will concede to finalize a trade that brings Markkanen to the Bay Area.
Following the departure of Klay Thompson, the Warriors are keen to bolster their roster around Steph Curry and Draymond Green to keep their championship hopes alive. Markkanen, an emerging All-Star, averaged 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds last season, shooting 39.9% from three. His addition would be a significant boost for Golden State, but the extent of their willingness to trade future assets remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, the Jazz appear focused on the 2025 NBA Draft, aiming to rebuild through new talent. Their record with Markkanen over the past two seasons stands at 55-67, placing them in a challenging position that neither secures top draft picks nor Play-In Tournament spots. General Manager Danny Ainge seems prepared to trade Markkanen to acquire assets and potentially aim for high-profile draft prospects like Cooper Flagg.
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