Focus in the NBA has shifted to the Summer League. Young players are getting their first chance to play for their new teams, yet NBA rumors are still circulating. Amid those rumors is Utah Jazz big man Lauri Markkanen.
Lauri Markkanen has blossomed during his tenure with the Utah Jazz. He has turned into an All-Star caliber player, which has put the team in a tough spot.
Not close to contending in the loaded Western Conference, a decision has to be made with Lauri Markkanen. Do the Utah Jazz trade away their best player, or look to build things up around him?
Based on NBA rumors floating around, the franchise is leaning toward the former. It sounds as if it is a matter of when, not if, the Utah Jazz trade their talented big man.
A few franchises have been linked to him already. The San Antonio Spurs were mentioned as a possibility, but the Golden State Warriors have emerged as the likeliest landing spot.
To acquire Lauri Markkanen, the Warriors are going to have to pay top dollar. Danny Ainge doesn’t mess around when it comes to negotiations, as his asking price needs to be met to make a deal.
In this scenario, his asking price is astronomical. According to NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, there is a wide gap between what the Warriors are willing to include in a deal and what the Utah Jazz are seeking.
“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.
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, league sources said,” Charania wrote.
It should come as no surprise that Ainge’s ask is a non-starter. Parting with all of their future assets for Lauri Markkanen would sink the franchise.
If the Warriors were unwilling to part with all of their young players and draft capital two years ago coming off a championship, why would they do it now?
Of course, that is how negotiations go. Asking prices are high at the start and the two sides will work toward compensation both parties are happy with.
Moses Moody does not have as much value as Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski, which makes sense as to why Golden State would be willing to include so much draft compensation. You need to compensate for keeping Kuminga and Podziemski off the table somehow.
Expect these trade talks to continue, as NBA rumors are going to keep swirling during the Summer League. Ainge has shown a willingness to wait things out, but if the Utah Jazz want to truly be part of the tank race for the 2025 NBA Draft, they need to move Lauri Markkanen before games start.
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