Warriors Remain ‘Most Ardent Suitor’ Of Lauri Markkanen, But Jazz Holding Firm

The Lauri Markkanen trade rumors just won’t die. The latest again comes from Marc Stein of The Stein Line, who reported that the Golden State Warriors are “regarded as the league’s most ardent Markkanen suitor,” though it seems unlikely they’ll be unable to reach a deal with the Utah Jazz.

As we relayed here, the Warriors are dead set against trading guard Brandin Podziemski.

“Golden State, to date, has pursued Markkanen without including Podziemski or Jonathan Kuminga in trade packages laden with future draft compensation,” Stein wrote. “Obviously no team, to this point, has met Danny Ainge‘s asking price.”

All that said, it seems Markkanen would prefer to remain with the Jazz. He can sign a contract extension on Tuesday — though he may wait until Wednesday or after.

“Lauri has really taken to Utah. His family has taken to Utah,” The Athletic’s Tony Jones said in an interview with ESPN 700, via RealGM. “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.”

Markkanen has been linked to the Warriors, San Antonio Spurs and several others in trade rumors. 

A contract renegotiation would come with a six-month trade extension. For instance, if he signs an extension on August 6, he’d become trade-eligible at the deadline in February. If he waits until after that, he won’t be trade-eligible at all this season.

Several Hoops Wire sources said that don’t believe Markkanen will be dealt this year and Jones seemed to echo those thoughts.

Markkanen is on an expiring $18 million contract and due for a big long-term raise.

Markkanen averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks in 2023-24, shooting 48.0% from the field, 39.9% from beyond the arc and 89.9% from the free-throw line in 55 games. 

He carries NBA 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.