According to sources familiar with the situation, the Golden State Warriors have emerged as the frontrunners in the race to acquire Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports that the Warriors have put forward a proposal centered around young wing Moses Moody, multiple first-round picks, pick swaps, and additional second-round picks in exchange for the Finnish forward.
However, negotiations have hit a snag as the Jazz have countered with a demand that includes several of Golden State’s promising prospects and significant draft assets, including Moody, guard Brandin Podziemski, and forward Jonathan Kuminga. As of now, the Warriors are hesitant to part ways with their promising talents, per Charania.
Markkanen, 27, currently has one year remaining on his contract worth $18 million and is poised to become a top free agent next offseason. With career averages of 18.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, Markkanen brings a solid statistical profile to potential suitors.
The Jazz have the option to renegotiate and extend Markkanen’s deal, potentially offering him a salary increase for the upcoming season starting August 6th.
Following the departure of Klay Thompson in a multi-team trade that landed Buddy Hield and Kyle Anderson while also signing De’Anthony Melton to a one-year contract, the Warriors find themselves in a transitional phase. Despite finishing with a 46-36 record last season, Golden State was eliminated from the play-in tournament by the Sacramento Kings.
The Warriors join a group of teams including the San Antonio Spurs, Sacramento Kings, and Miami Heat in expressing interest in the former All-Star forward.
