SUMMARY
- The Warriors have been the front runners to land Lauri Markkanen in a trade.
- GSW has shown interest in acquiring a big man that can score efficiently.
There has been a lot of noise regarding Lauri Markkanen potentially ending up on another team by the end of the trade deadline. Quite frankly, he deserves to be given a lot of credit for what he has been doing lately. It hasn’t been long since he was acquired by the Utah Jazz. However, if it’s what is best for business, then the Jazz has every right to revamp and rebuild for the future.
Right now, the Golden State Warriors have emerged as the favorites to land the 2023 All-Star. This team has been facing a lot of struggles lately. Either the core team members are slowly declining or their young stars are way too inexperienced to carry the franchise through. The positive part of the Warriors roster is Stephen Curry, who isn’t happy with the way things are.
The Warriors are in the market for an offensive minded 7 footer, per @timkawakami
“There has been some talk about maybe just go get a 7-footer who can score.”
(Via @957thegame ) pic.twitter.com/UyuqqZCLzP
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 12, 2024
Warriors fans have been uber-excited about the Jazz forward potentially joining the team. One fan said, “Help is on the way dubnation.” Another fan said, “I stand on the promise I made to my wife a month ago, if we some how trade for Lauri I’m poppin a bottle lol.”
I stand on the promise I made to my wife a month ago, if we some how trade for Lauri I’m poppin a bottle lol
— spamjutsu (@spamjutsu1) January 12, 2024
Someone like Lauri Markkanen can do justice for the Warriors team. They are currently 12th in the Western Conference with a 17-20 record. Ideally, this isn’t where the team wishes to be especially since they’re only two years off a championship win. Markkanen’s presence could boost the Warriors’ performance by a mile considering how versatile he is.
The Warriors may have to let go of an untouchable player for Lauri Markkanen
According to sources, there have been talks about the Warriors potentially trading for a big man who can score. Interestingly enough, the Finnish star is the only prominent forward/center in the market who fits the description. Lauri Markkanen has been averaging 23.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game on 48.8% shooting. Markkanen is very capable of getting explosive on offense.
But Tim MacMahon claims that there is a catch in this traded scenario between the Warriors and Jazz. He said, “I’ve been talk [the Jazz] will listen on anyone on the roster… with Markkanen, he’s not untouchable but it’s going to take one of your untouchables to get him.” This is quite an interesting take or possibility since Markkanen is the only All-Star on the roster.
“I’ve been told [Utah Jazz] will listen on anyone on the roster…With [Lauri] Markkanen, he’s not untouchable but it’s going to take one of your untouchables to get him”👀
(Via https://t.co/PpbzvkbkEB / h/t @BasketballOnX ) pic.twitter.com/9Hrb3JjzeZ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 12, 2024
The Jazz may not settle for anything lesser than what Lauri Markkanen is worth. They could potentially demand players like Draymond Green to pair with Jordan Clarkson, who could take up more offensive duties once Markkanen is out. Green could be a candidate the Jazz are eyeing. Especially considering his recent issues and how it may have affected the Warriors’ locker room.
Or else, the Jazz could also opt in for players like Jonathan Kuminga, who have been wanting to play more minutes. There were reports about Kuminga wanting out since he felt he could not grow working under Steve Kerr. Danny Ainge could want picks in return as well. However, the Warriors do not have enough picks to offer Ainge and the Jazz.