After a somewhat active offseason, the Golden State Warriors are currently embroiled in trade rumors this summer, particularly with relation to Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen.
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Golden State is supposedly leading the Markkanen sweepstakes. The Dubs have fascinating young talent and future draft capital that might be included in a trade package for Markkanen. However, both sides have yet to reach an agreement on a prospective trade that would bring the All-Star to the Bay Area.
Jazz CEO Danny Ainge has set a high price for Markkanen. Meanwhile, Golden State places a great importance on its young players, Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga, who are supposedly the elements Ainge is looking for in a trade for the Finnish talent.
However, the Warriors prefer not to give up either of those two rising players in exchange for Markkanen.
Warriors Don’t Want to Trade Podziemski or Kuminga
Lacob sees All-Star potential in their two young stars
If the Warriors trade for Markkanen, they are unlikely to part ways with Brandin Podziemski or Jonathan Kuminga, according to team governor Joe Lacob in an interview with Tim Kawakami of The Athletic.
“I’m not going to get into specifics like that, there’s no way. (But) I don’t want to give [Podziemski] up, or [Kuminga]. We love these guys. And Moses, Trayce (Jackson-Davis). These are good young players.” – Joe Lacob
Previous reports suggested that the Jazz would prefer to acquire Podziemski from the Warriors if they traded Markkanen to the Bay Area.
Meanwhile, Lacob stated during Summer League that he believes the upcoming sophomore has All-Star potential after making the All-Rookie First Team in 2023-24.
Podziemski averaged 26.6 minutes per game and started 28 of his 74 games in his debut season. Rookies seldom make the regular rotation under Warriors coach Steve Kerr. However, the four-time champion coach was unable to keep the Santa Clara standout off the field owing to the all-around value he provides on both ends of the court.
In an interview with The Athletic, Lacob made similar sentiments regarding Kuminga, claiming that the bouncy forward is “in the same boat.”
Despite numerous disagreements with head coach Steve Kerr throughout the season, Kuminga had his most productive season as a professional in 2023-24, averaging 16.1 points on 52.9 percent field goal shooting.
However, considering Golden State’s lack of success since winning the NBA championship in 2021-22, signing a proven player like Markkanen may propel them closer to title contention than rookie projects like Kuminga and Podziemski.
The Warriors are now in a transition moment, particularly with the departure of club legend Klay Thompson, who signed with the Dallas Mavericks this offseason.
The Warriors want to make the most of Stephen Curry’s remaining golden years. In March, the four-time champion celebrated his 36th birthday.
If a Markkanen deal were to occur between Golden State and Utah, at least one of Kuminga or Podziemski would have to travel to Salt Lake City. As of now, it appears that both parties are determined to maintain their prices high on their respective players.
