According to reports, the Warriors are completely confident in the value of Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen.
So much so that Golden State could be the favorite to secure the services of the 7-foot-1 man.
The Warriors are the “aggressive” among the teams currently discussing a Markkanen trade with the Jazz, TNT’s Chris Haynes reported Tuesday on Bleacher Report.
“It would really put a dent in the Warriors’ roster if they tried to make that deal and let the Utah Jazz bite,” Haynes said. “I’d be interested to see how they would handle that. But you know Danny [Ainge]He craves first-round picks. What can the Warriors do to get the picks he needs?
“I’ve been told the Warriors are the aggressors. San Antonio Spurs, they’re in it too. I’ve been told, seriously, it’s those two teams: Spurs, Warriors. But I’ve been told the Warriors, more importantly, are really trying, really trying to see what they can do to make it happen.”
The Warriors have made Markkanen their top priority, as NBC Sports Bay Area’s Monte Poole reported earlier this week on 95.7 The Game’s “Steiny & Guru,” after missing out on star forward Paul George.
In 55 games for Utah during the 2023-24 NBA season, Markkanen averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game on 48 percent shooting from the field and a very impressive 39.9 percent from the 3-point line.
Many believe Markkanen’s arrival would cap off an impressive offseason for Golden State, after the team agreed to sign guard De’Anthony Melton, forward Kyle Anderson and potentially sharpshooting guard Buddy Hield in a sign-and-trade deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.
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