Several rumors claim that the Utah Jazz are considering trade proposals for Lauri Markkanen. One of the teams linked to the 27-year-old All-Star is the Golden State Warriors.
Of course, any deal for the Utah Jazz’s top player is unlikely to be inexpensive. Utah must receive an offer too good to refuse for their franchise player, as there is no need to trade him. On the other hand, perhaps there is.
Mark kanen is entering the final year of his deal, and he is expected to earn $18 million this season. The Jazz have won just 37 and 31 games over the last two seasons, indicating that they are not yet ready to emerge as a top contender in a tough Western Conference. Committing to Markkanen with a pricey, perhaps max-level deal extension may not be feasible for a young squad that is still at least a year or two away from competing.
Trading Markkanen now may make a lot of sense. Other reports, however, have stated that the Jazz may receive stronger bids for the 7-foot power forward once Markkanen signs an agreement on August 6. That makes sense, but if a team is confident enough in its ability to sign Markkanen for several years, nothing should block a trade right now.
However, there may be one factor that prevents the Warriors from landing the sharpshooter.
Brandin Podziemski may be the Golden State Warriors’ hurdle to acquiring Lauri Markkanen.
According to ESPN NBA analyst Tim MacMahon, any Golden State Warriors trade for Lauri Markkanen would most likely involve Brandin Podziemski, last year’s rookie sensation.
“With educated speculation, I do think that if Podziemski is not in the deal, there wouldn’t be a deal,” – Timothy MacMahon.
“So Podziemski and 3-4 Warriors 1st round picks and swaps unprotected, betting against the Warriors going forward with Steph aging and Markkanen as the guy, and Draymond aging as well,” – Zach Lowe, basketball analyst.
Tim MacMahon and Zach Lowe discuss The Lowe Post.
The smooth-shooting lefty had a strong rookie season at the age of 20, appearing considerably more prepared than most 19th-overall picks when they enter the NBA. By the end of the season, Warriors coach Steve Kerr had a difficult time getting Podziemski off the court. He finished with an average of 26.6 MPG, including 28 starts as a rookie.
Brandin Podziemski’s stats: 9.2 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.7 APG, 38.5% 3PT.
Podziemski finished fifth in the NBA Rookie of the Year voting in a class dominated by top-two picks Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren. However, after witnessing the 6-foot-5 shooting guard’s burst of energy, it’s easy to see why the Warriors and now the Jazz place such a high value on the bouncy scorer.
