Report: Warriors ‘firmly in the drivers seat’ for Lauri Markkanen

While the Utah Jazz aren’t exactly shopping Lauri Markkanen, they have been listening to offers surrounding the star big man. The Golden State Warriors are reportedly in a strong position to land the one-time All-Star, if Utah does decide to move on.

Tim Montemayor of the Salt Lake City based podcast, The Monty Show, shared:

The San Antonio Spurs are willing to put in a third first-round pick and you can tell that they are seeing that they have to come with a sense of urgency to get this deal done. I’m telling you the Golden State Warriors, from what I was told yesterday, are firmly in the drivers seat to make this trade happen. There is no sense of urgency to make that deal happen now, today. The Jazz are going to drag this out as long as they can. [h/t The Monty Show]

After being named an All-Star and winning the Most Improved Player award the previous season, Markannen continued to play at a high level in 2023-24. He averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks per game. The seven-year veteran shot 48.0% from the field, 39.9% from three-point range and 89.9% from the free-throw line. While the Warriors may be in the drivers seat, it is unclear if they will be able to land him via trade.

Laurie Markkanen trade update from @TheMontyShow:
○ #Spurs are willing to include a third first-round pick
○ Ainge is not interested in Keldon Johnson for #Jazz
○ #Warriors are firmly in the drivers seat with an offer that involves a third team

(t/h @mrTOPK ) pic.twitter.com/WtzKprer6G

— SpursReport (@SpursReporter) July 24, 2024

Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski reportedly held out of Lauri Markkanen trade talks

While the Golden State Warriors are looking to acquire talent, they are not willing to put everything on the table in order to do so. The organization has reportedly held Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski out of offseason trade talks. Brett Siegel of Clutch Points revealed their unwillingness to move the two young players, writing:

The Golden State Warriors are the other team that has shown a lot of interest in Markkanen, sources said, and have made a legitimate offer for the Finnish star. Amid Utah’s steep asking price for their star, the Warriors have offered Moses Moody and multiple first-round picks, including the top-20 protected portion of their 2030 first-round pick currently owned by the Washington Wizards.

At this time, both Jonathan Kuminga and All-Rookie guard Brandin Podziemski have been held out of trade discussions with the Jazz, sources said. The Warriors did not have interest in trading either player for Paul George before he opted out of his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. [h/t Clutch Points]

Kuminga and Podziemski are both just 21 years old. They are viewed as two players that are important to Golden State’s future. It is unclear if Golden State will soften their stance and agree to include either player in trade talks. They may be unable to land a star player without the willingness to do so.

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