Report: Lauri Markkanen’s Camp Was ‘Not Opposed’ To Him Landing With Warriors

According to NBA reporter Tim Kawakami of The Athletic, Lauri Markkanen‘s camp was “not opposed” to him landing with the Golden State Warriors. 

The Warriors and Utah Jazz spoke several times about a Markkanen trade this offseason, but the two sides never got close to a deal. 

The Jazz wanted Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga from the Warriors for Markkanen. Golden State was open to moving Kuminga but not Podziemski.

The expectation now is that Markkanen will sign an extension with the Jazz after August 6 so he can’t be traded during the 2024-25 season. 

Meanwhile, it appears the Warriors will not acquire another star for Stephen Curry after losing Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks in free agency. 

One of the best players in the NBA, Markkanen 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. 

An Arizona product, 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, Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs tried to acquire Markkanen this offseason. Markkanen hasn’t requested a trade from the Jazz and prefers to remain with the Jazz, per NBA reporter Tony Jones of The Athletic. 

“Lauri has really taken to Utah. His family has taken to Utah,” Jones said in an interview with ESPN 700. “Obviously the Jazz can trade him between now and August 6, and Lauri knows that, but Lauri has forged a really close relationship to (coach) Will Hardy. And Will has really found a way to unlock his career.”

The Jazz, who missed the playoffs in 2024, acquired Markkanen from the Cavaliers in 2022. Markkanen is averaging 24.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.5 blocks with Utah.