The Warriors’ search for a star may have to start over.
It is no secret that the Golden State Warriors have been looking to add another star to their team this offseason. For the past two weeks, speculations have circulated about Utah Jazz player Lauri Markkanen. Danny Ainge, the Jazz’s senior executive, has been known to construct many a rebuild, and Markkanen is set to receive a significant deal next week. Markkanen is a talented shooter whose scoring ability would significantly benefit the Warriors. According to Tony Jones of The Athletic, Markkanen appears to be satisfied with his current situation in Utah.
“Lauri has really taken to Utah,” Jones remarked during a radio interview with ESPN 700 in Salt Lake City. “His family has moved to Utah. Obviously, the Jazz can move him between now and August 6th, and Lauri is aware of this; nonetheless, Lauri has developed a close relationship with Will Hardy. And Will Hardy has discovered a means to advance his profession that has never been done before. Lauri realizes, understands, and appreciates this. He wants to take part in the rebuilding.”
Markkanen has always been a dynamic stretch big, but he began to elevate his game after joining the Jazz two offseasons ago. Markkanen won the Most Improved Player title in 2022-23, averaging 25.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game and earning his first All-Star selection. This past season, he averaged 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, retaining his great shooting efficiency.
With two great draft classes on the horizon, there has been rising talk that the Jazz will explore trading Markkanen this offseason in an effort to thoroughly tank. That could still be Ainge’s ultimate goal, but considering Utah’s troubles to attract top players in free agency, it appears doubtful that they would part ways with such a great player.
“I would expect him to sign on August 7th, or after August 6th,” according to Jones.”Lauri doesn’t want to be traded, so if he signs the renegotiation and extension, which I expect him to do, I expect him to do it after August 6th so there’s no trade talk this year.”
If Markkanen signs an extension with Utah, thus removing him from the trade market, the Warriors will be back at square one in their hunt for a scorer to replace Klay Thompson. Chicago Bulls wing Zach LaVine is still available and might be a buy-low fallback option for the Dubs, but that would necessitate taking on a huge salary for a player with a long injury history. Aside from that, there are few options available.
