The main problem for Utah in this situation is that they aren’t getting a top-tier young player in Jonathan Kuminga or Brandin Podziemski, which they may eventually see as essential. In a related story, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon recently implied that Podziemski was essential to a deal and that the Jazz could favor him over Kuminga in a Markkanen trade.
In exchange, Utah receives a plethora of future draft picks and the chance to maintain their financial flexibility going forward, which is one of the main reasons Wiggins would have to sign with a third team as opposed to the Jazz.
As part of the deal, they give up veteran scorer Jordan Clarkson and guard Markkanen in exchange for four first-round pick swaps, two unprotected first-round picks from the Warriors, a lottery-protected first-round pick from the Cavaliers, and a young wing in Moses Moody. Both Caris LeVert and Georges Niang are on expiring contracts.
Without Podziemski or Kuminga, Danny Ainge might decline right away, but three first-round picks, four trades, and a former lottery selection in Moody is still a respectable haul. By the upcoming offseason, Moody and LeVert might both be gone from the roster, and Niang’s two-year, $16.7 million contract is unlikely to limit their future options.
Would the Warriors approve of this transaction if the Jazz did?
The rumors of Lauri Markkanen being traded to the Golden State Warriors won’t go away, and they probably won’t until he is dealt or signs a contract extension with the Utah Jazz after becoming eligible on August 6.
As reported earlier in the week by The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, the Warriors are content to bide their time until the Jazz make their selection, having assembled a 14-man roster with which they are generally at ease.
Although Lauri Markkanen seems like a perfect fit for the Golden State Warriors, there are some reasons not to rush into signing the 2023 All-Star.
Golden State appears to have narrowed in on Markkanen as their preferred trade target after failing to work out a deal for nine-time All-Star Paul George shortly before free agency. The Sacramento Kings changed their focus from a seven-foot forward to obtaining DeMar DeRozan, but the Warriors don’t seem to be looking in other directions.
There are several explanations for their willingness to wait. Though their general satisfaction with the offseason thus far is one aspect, the main reasoning stems from how ideal a fit Markkanen is expected to be at the team, especially when compared to other available alternatives like as Zach LaVine or Brandon Ingram.
That’s not to suggest Markkanen isn’t risky, especially considering the amount of young and potential assets needed to convince Utah to part with him. There are arguments to be made regarding Markkanen’s value as a trade target as well as reasons why he would be a terrific addition both on and off the court. Let us examine both arguments, beginning with three reasons the Warriors have every right to pursue the 2023 All-Star.
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