The biggest trade chip remaining this offseason is reportedly staying put, leaving the Warriors with a roster upgraded at the margins but without a major summer splash. According to , the Jazz and Lauri Markkanen are expected to complete a contract extension worth upwards of $200 million over five years in the coming days. Signing after Tuesday – the first day he and Utah can negotiate an extension — will make the sweet-shooting forward ineligible to be traded for the 2024-25 regular season.
Golden State was one of the teams that reportedly showed interest in trading for Markkanen, but no team overwhelmed Jazz general manager Danny Ainge with an offer. Per The Athletic, the Warriors didn’t budge from a trade package centered around Moses Moody, future first-round picks and pick swaps. They were “protective” of promising young guard Brandin Podziemski, The Athletic reported.
Markkanen would’ve provided a massive lift to the Warriors, both immediately and in the future. He’s one of the most efficient scorers in the game, and the Warrior’s biggest need is a No. 2 playmaker next to Steph Curry.
A 7-footer capable of shooting 40% from 3, Markken would’ve given the Warriors a different look offensively and allow them more lineup flexibility. It’s easy to envision players like Jonathan Kuminga and Draymond Green excelling next to Markkanen in the front court with the spacing he provides. Markkanen is also only 27 years old, so trading for him would have helped br.