Report: Warriors ‘Most Engaged’ Trade Suitor Of Jazz’s Lauri Markkanen

The Golden State Warriors have been linked to Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen, and they appear to be trying to make a serious run at a trade. But right now, there doesn’t appear to be any traction.

Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Warriors “have been the most engaged team for Markkanen in recent weeks, as league sources tell The Athletic they have discussed a proposal around Moses Moody, multiple first-round picks, multiple pick swaps and multiple second-round picks.”

But the Jazz would want more players, it seems.

“The Jazz, however, have asked for the bulk of young talent and capital the Warriors possess, including Moody, Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski, along with picks, which has been a non-starter thus far for Golden State,” Charania wrote.

Golden State seems to be somewhere between wanting to compete for a championship and just taking the next step toward an all-out rebuild. It doesn’t seem as if the Warriors can decide.

Landing Markkanen would mean they are still focused on trying to get to another level. Still, the dynasty days are dead and there really is no salvaging them anytime soon. Markkanen would move the needle, but probably not enough to start talking title.

All we really know is the Warriors repeatedly have been in touch with the Jazz, as first reported by Brett Siegel of Clutch Points last week.

“After failing to pull off a trade for Paul George and after losing Klay Thompson in free agency, the Warriors have remained steadfast in their pursuit of championship-level talent around Curry and Draymond Green,” Seigel wrote. “All options are on the table for Golden State, yet it is unknown if they have offered their best young talent, Jonathan Kuminga, for Markkanen despite holding him out of trade conversations for George.”

That said, one league source told Hoops Wire that he would be “surprised” if the Jazz actually moved on from Markkanen, as he’s become the type of player around whom you build.