SUMMARY
- Lauri Markkanen has been linked to quite a few trade rumors and scenarios recently.
- A popular X account called NBA Centel recently posted on the platform claiming that the Golden State Warriors are interested in him.
Lauri Markkanen has relatively been playing really good basketball over the last few seasons. After a turbulent stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he was shipped to the Utah Jazz via a blockbuster trade that took place before the 2022-23 season. Since then, he has emerged as the team’s best player and leading scorer as well. The Finnish superstar is probably one of the most underrated players in the league.
Recently, the All-Star has been linked to quite a few trade rumors and scenarios. While it would be upsetting to watch the Jazz let go of a budding player like him, at some point they may have to reshape the roster without him while rebuilding. He happens to be their biggest asset at the moment besides former Sixth Man of the Year, Jordan Clarkson. However, the Jazz are still struggling to put up winning numbers on the scoreboard.
The Golden State Warriors are a potential destination for Lauri Markkanen, per @NBCSWarriors pic.twitter.com/bisbMrkEsP
— NBAĆentel (@TheNBACentel) December 30, 2023
A popular X account called NBA Centel recently posted on the platform claiming that the Golden State Warriors are a potential match for him. Lauri Markkanen would make a great fit besides Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and the other young stars. However, this X account is famed for its parody posts and rumors. So this report that they claim NBC was responsible for, is completely fake. The Warriors have not remotely expressed interest in the forward.
How can the Jazz benefit from trading Lauri Markkanen?
Lauri Markkanen has always been an unselfish and team player. This season, he has been averaging 23.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game on 48.7% shooting from the field. While these aren’t his best, he certainly has his second-best stint since being drafted in 2017. Additionally, he will work well on any roster considering that he can score, defend, rebound, and create plays. So he is a player to look out for ahead of this year’s trade deadline.
The Ringer Podcast’s Kevin O’Connor had an interesting take on what the Jazz could do to benefit from a trade like this. He said, “So what’s the line for an acceptable offer? My impression from talking to teams is that it’s something resembling the haul the Jazz received for Mitchell and Gobert: so, five-ish firsts and/or players of comparable value.”
Utah received five draft picks (swaps included) with Lauri Markkanen from the Cavaliers in 2022 for Donovan Mitchell. The existence of these picks could help them acquire bigger stars in the future. Or trade up for a higher pick in forthcoming drafts. So if they acquire a couple of strong picks for Markkanen, it can help them push for other stars in various scenarios around the league.