Lauri Markkanen’s trade campaign has taken a new turn, and it’s not in the favor of either the Warriors or the Kings.
Golden State and Sacramento have been at the center of speculation over a move for the Jazz forward, with the Warriors being labeled as the “aggressors” within the teams following the 27-year-old’s services.
Utah, however, is “going about its business with a 10 percent chance they’re going to move him,” Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer reported Wednesday. (h/t Bleacher Report)
There are many reasons why the Jazz are still hesitant to lose Markkanen and why the Warriors, Kings and San Antonio Spurs have all shown interest in the Finnish star.
Markkanen, an NBA All-Star and winner of the 2023 Most Improved Player Award, averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game on 48 percent shooting from the field and a commendable 39.9 percent from the 3-point line in 55 games for Utah during the 2023-24 NBA season.
Fischer added that the Kings, who like the Warriors appear to be looking for a difference-making forward in the off-season, were recently close to a deal for Markkanen.
“The Kings, to my knowledge, were close to a deal earlier this week,” Fischer said on Wednesday’s episode of the “No Cap Room” podcast. “I think so, based on conversations that I’ve had. I can’t say more than that, but there have been calls made to people in the NBA that would indicate that the conversations there were legitimate.”
Golden State did not sit idle while working out a deal for Markkanen, with proven sharpshooter Buddy Hield reportedly being acquired by the Philadelphia 76ers.
The 31-year-old will have more scoring ability, but it’s likely the Warriors are still looking for players to complement superstar point guard Stephen Curry after the departure of Klay Thompson.
Markkanen could be difficult to add to coach Steve Kerr’s roster, but then again, it’s still young in the off-season and it’s unwise to write off the Warriors just yet.
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