Report: Jazz Want Brandin Podziemski From Warriors In Lauri Markkanen Trade

According to NBA insider Eric Pincus, the Utah Jazz want Brandin Podziemski from the Golden State Warriors in a Lauri Markkanen trade.

The Jazz are not actively shopping Markkanen, but if they receive a massive offer for the forward, a trade could happen. 

“Understandably, the Jazz are greedy,” Pincus wrote. “They don’t have to trade Markkanen, though he may contribute enough wins in Utah to complicate the pursuit of a top prospect like Duke’s Cooper Flagg in the lottery. The Jazz are in a rebuilding phase, but, per multiple sources, they want Brandin Podziemski from Golden State. While Jonathan Kuminga has value, he’s looking for a significant extension that may not match Utah’s timeline.”

Markkanen becomes extension eligible on August 6. He’s on an expiring $18 million contract and due for a big long-term raise.

The Warriors and San Antonio Spurs remain in pursuit of Markkanen, sources told Hoops Wire. 

Markkanen is one of the best players in the NBA. He averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks in 2023-24 for the Jazz while shooting 48.0% from the field, 39.9% from beyond the arc and 89.9% from the free-throw line in 55 games. 

Markkanen has career averages of 18.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.5 blocks with the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers and Jazz. He won the 2022-23 Most Improved Player of the Year Award with Utah. 

The Warriors and Jazz missed the playoffs in 2024. 

Podziemski averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.2 blocks this past season for the Warriors while shooting 45.4% from the field, 38.5% from beyond the arc and 63.3% from the free-throw line. 

Golden State drafted Podziemski with the 19th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft out of Santa Clara.