Warriors' Lauri Markkanen Trade Pursuit Gets Eye-Opening Jonathan Kuminga Update

It's easy to assume the biggest sticking point in stalled negotiations between the Golden State Warriors and Utah Jazz on a potential Lauri Markkanen trade is the inclusion of Jonathan Kuminga. The Dubs' tantalizing young forward, however, apparently isn't the apple of Danny Ainge's eye after all.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and STADIUM, it's rising sophomore guard Brandin Podziemski who Utah covets most—along with a horde of first-round picks, of course—in a deal that would send Markkanen to Golden State.

"Kuminga’s a name but I think the Jazz—from everything I’m told—the Jazz are more focused on Brandin Podziemski and his inclusion in the deal, all the picks being in the deal," Charania said Monday on SiriusXM NBA Radio.

"I think from the Warriors’ perspective it’s Podziemski, but then there’s not all the picks. And if it’s all the picks, then there’s not gonna be a Podziemski…Both sides are kind of entrenched right now at where they’re at, saying nothing’s going to change."

Podziemski earned First Team All-Rookie honors for the Warriors last season, stuffing the stat sheet with 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game while shooting a solid 38.5% from beyond the arc. He's expected to compete with free agent signee De'Anthony Melton for the starting backcourt spot next to Stephen Curry that was left vacated by franchise icon Klay Thompson, who was signed-and-traded to the Dallas Mavericks in early July.

Utah is still in rebuilding mode under coach Will Hardy, who's led the team to to surprisingly strong starts each of the past two seasons. If they ultimately part ways with Markkanen, Podziemski would represent a smart, versatile and still-improving perimeter option for the Jazz as they strive to eventually level back up in a loaded Western Conference.

Related: Lauri Markkanen Linked To 2 West Teams For Potential Blockbuster Trade