Warriors Actively Pursuing Lauri Markkanen Trade

Warriors fans need to mark August 6 on their calendars.

On this date, Lauri Markkanen can renegotiate and extend his contract with the Jazz. If Utah doesn’t give him a new deal, he might play for another team in the 2024-25 season. The Warriors have been trying to trade for Markkanen, but they haven’t succeeded yet because they don’t want to include Brandin Podziemski or Jonathan Kuminga in the deal.

Marc Stein reported that the Jazz’s interest in Podziemski keeps the Warriors’ hopes alive. He also mentioned that due to the new CBA, the Warriors might prefer trading Kuminga over Podziemski .

“There is also a growing belief leaguewide that the Warriors would be more willing to move Jonathan Kuminga in a Markkanen trade — or any big-swing deal — than Podziemski,” Stein wrote. “Beyond how highly Golden State rates the 21-year-old and his all-around game, Podziemski also has three seasons left on his rookie contract worth nearly $13 million as the No. 19 overall pick in June 2023. Kuminga, meanwhile, is immediately eligible for a lucrative contract extension between now and Oct. 21.”

Financial Considerations:

Stein thinks if Kuminga isn’t extended by October 21, it could mean he’s leaving soon. Even though he showed potential as a future star during his first three seasons, he didn’t quite meet expectations.

So do they really want to give him a max extension? Since Podz can’t get a new contract until 2027, keeping him won’t add to their payroll soon—a big plus for Golden State .

Fans might wonder if this financial advantage will make Golden State choose Podziemski over Kuminga.

“That’s a key consideration for Golden State in the NBA’s new world of luxury tax aprons,” Stein added.

What do you think? Should they keep Kuminga or go with Podz?