The NBA offseason might have briefly hit a pause, but the trade rumors are anything but dormant. Among the names generating significant buzz is Lauri Markkanen, the versatile forward whose scoring prowess has made him a hot commodity on the trade market.
Markkanen's appeal is undeniable. With an impressive average of 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game last season, paired with a sharp 39.9% from beyond the arc, he has established himself as a formidable offensive weapon. This scoring ability, coupled with his versatility, has caught the eyes of many teams, most notably the Golden State Warriors.
Golden State’s Calculations
Golden State has emerged as serious suitors for Markkanen, with trade offers reportedly centering around Moses Moody and various draft compensations. The Warriors' interest in bolstering their roster is clear, as they seek to maintain their competitive edge in the unforgiving Western Conference. However, their interest comes with a caveat: they prefer to keep Brandin Podziemski out of the equation.
The Podziemski Factor
Podziemski, who averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists last season, has made a significant impression under the guidance of head coach Steve Kerr. His 38.5% shooting from three-point range has certainly caught the attention of the Warriors' coaching staff. More importantly, he has edged ahead of both Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody in the rotation.
Steve Kerr speaks highly of Podziemski’s on-court intelligence and impact: "I don't care if he scores or not. He is in every one of our best lineups. He is our best plus-minus guy (plus-3.8) for the year. He is really good, no matter whether he is scoring or not. I know, especially as a rookie, that he'll have ups and downs from a scoring standpoint, and right now, he is in a down period. But he allows other guys to play well just because of his recognition of what is happening on the floor, his cuts, ball movement, spacing. I'm thrilled with Brandin, and as long as he keeps playing as hard as he is, he'll be out there."
Kerr’s endorsement highlights why the Warriors might be reluctant to trade Podziemski. Instead, they appear willing to include Jonathan Kuminga in potential trade scenarios involving Markkanen.
Jazz’s Perspective
On the other side, the Utah Jazz, while expressing considerable interest in Brandin Podziemski, might be navigating their internal calculations as well. With Markkanen eligible to renegotiate and extend his contract starting August 6, the Jazz must weigh their options. The Finnish forward, currently earning $18 million for the 2024-25 season, has been a stalwart for the team. Over the past two seasons, the Jazz have posted a 55-67 record with Markkanen in the lineup.
Despite their interest in young talents like Podziemski, the Jazz will have to consider the long-term benefits of retaining Markkanen against the potential acquirement of future assets and young players like Kuminga.
The Way Forward
As the negotiations unfold, the landscape could shift rapidly. The Warriors’ determination to strengthen their roster while keeping Podziemski might push them to sweeten the deal with other enticing pieces. Conversely, the Jazz will need to deliberate whether the potential returns justify parting ways with a player who has been a consistent performer.
The offseason remains a dynamic period, with teams jostling to optimize their rosters. Markkanen, with his impressive stats and impact on the court, stands at the center of this swirling trade storm, and where he lands could significantly alter the fortunes of more than one franchise.