Warriors Trade Proposal Involves Massive Haul for $67.5 Million Star and More
The Golden State Warriors have made significant moves in the offseason to replace Klay Thompson, acquiring Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield, and De’Anthony Melton. Despite these additions, the Warriors are reportedly keen on acquiring Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz, which would provide Stephen Curry with a strong co-star.
In a proposed trade by Allen Stiles of Bleacher Report, the Warriors would receive Markkanen in exchange for a substantial package centered around Jonathan Kuminga.
Warriors would receive: Markkanen, Walker Kessler
Jazz would receive: Kuminga, Kevon Looney, Moses Moody, Trayce Jackson-Davis, 2025 first-round pick, 2027 first-round pick
“Not only would the Warriors get Lauri Markkanen, but they would also get Walker Kessler. Because Kessler is a young, talented big man, I would make this trade,” Stiles said on July 4.
The Warriors’ top target is Lauri Markkanen according to 95.7 The Game
After missing out on Paul George, who went to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Warriors have shifted their focus to Markkanen. Monte Poole reported on “95.7 The Game” that Markkanen has become the Warriors’ primary target following George’s move.
“Based on what I’ve heard, their top priority is Lauri Markkanen,” Poole said on July 2. “With Paul George off the market, the Warriors are looking to secure Markkanen to strengthen their lineup.”
Although George and Markkanen have different playing styles, both would complement Curry and Draymond Green, enhancing the Warriors’ championship prospects.
George, standing at 6-foot-8, shot 41.3% from three-point range on 7.9 attempts per game in 2023-24, averaging 22.6 points per game. Markkanen, a 7-footer, shot 39.9% from three on 8.0 attempts per game and averaged 23.2 points.
Why the Jazz Might Trade Markkanen
Despite Markkanen’s impressive performance, averaging 23.2 points and winning the Most Improved Player Award in 2022-23, the Jazz might consider trading him because they are not in a winning position. With the highly anticipated 2025 and 2026 NBA Drafts offering generational talents, the Jazz could use the opportunity to improve through the draft.
Markkanen is also in the final year of his four-year, $67.5 million contract, so the Jazz risk losing him for nothing next offseason. They have already accumulated a significant number of draft picks from the Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell trades. Trading Markkanen could be a strategic move to tank and aim for lottery picks.
Tony Jones of The Athletic supports this argument, noting the exceptional talent available in the upcoming drafts.
“The case for trading Markkanen lies in the extraordinary talent in the 2025 and 2026 NBA Drafts,” Jones wrote on July 2. “Players like Flagg, Ace Bailey, Dylan Harper, Nolan Traore, Cam Boozer, AJ Dybantsa, Koa Peat, and Ian Jackson could be franchise-level talents. Utah needs as many opportunities as possible to secure these talents.”
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