The Golden State Warriors have made significant efforts to fill the void left by Klay Thompson this offseason, acquiring Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and De’Anthony Melton. Despite these additions, the Warriors are reportedly very interested in securing Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz to partner with Stephen Curry.
According to a trade proposal by Allen Stiles of Bleacher Report, the Warriors would receive Markkanen in exchange for a substantial package centered around Jonathan Kuminga.
In the proposed deal:
– The Warriors would acquire Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler.
– The Jazz would receive Jonathan Kuminga, Kevon Looney, Moses Moody, Trayce Jackson-Davis, a 2025 first-round pick, and a 2027 first-round pick.
Stiles stated on July 4, “Not only would the Warriors get Lauri Markkanen, but they would also get Walker Kessler. Since Kessler is a young, promising big man at 22, I would make this trade.”
After missing out on Paul George, who joined the Philadelphia 76ers, the Warriors shifted their focus to Markkanen. Monte Poole mentioned on “95.7 The Game” on July 2 that Markkanen is now the Warriors’ top target, as George was no longer an option. Pairing Curry and Draymond Green with Markkanen would give the Warriors a strong chance to compete for another championship.
While George and Markkanen are different players, both would enhance the Warriors’ roster. George, at 6-foot-8, averaged 22.6 points per game and shot 41.3% from three in the 2023-24 season. Markkanen, standing 7 feet tall, averaged 23.2 points per game and shot 39.9% from beyond the arc.
The Jazz might consider trading Markkanen, who is on the last year of his $67.5 million contract, to avoid losing him for nothing next offseason. Additionally, the Jazz, already rich in draft picks from previous trades, could benefit from a rebuild and aim for top talent in the 2025 and 2026 drafts. Tony Jones of The Athletic highlighted that the drafts feature several potential franchise players, which could justify moving Markkanen to increase their chances in the lottery.