Having already added Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson, and De’Anthony Melton this offseason, the Golden State Warriors have also been linked to the Utah Jazz’s Lauri Markkanen. Markkanen is a player that the Warriors should not hesitate in acquiring if the deal is right.
With the aforementioned three moves, the Warriors’ front office has made it clear that their focus is to remain competitive, at least until Stephen Curry is no longer in a Warrior uniform.
Markannen, 7-feet and just 27-years-old, was the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2022-2023 while making his first All-Star appearance that same season. He averaged 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds on 48 percent shooting in 2023-2024.
The Jazz’s ideal return for Markkanen has been steep, with Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and Brandon Podziemski all discussed and favored by Jazz executive Danny Ainge. All three provide the glimpse into the post-Curry Warriors. Getting two, or all three, would be a great haul for the Jazz.
Markkanen would fit the Warriors like a glove, the type of shooter and stretch big man that would complement Curry so well. In a potential deal if Podziemski were to be moved, Hield would be thrust into the starting lineup.
The pick-and-rolls with Curry and Markkanen would be devastating, defenses unable to give any room to either one. With his height, Markkanen can also shoot over many defenders and outstretched arms. Having the pairing as well as Hield would open the floor akin to what it was like with Klay Thompson in the fold, while the playmaking of Draymond Green and Anderson would facilitate open looks for the Warriors new potential shooting trio.
it will come down to asking price and who is willing to part with who, but if the Warriors do happen to get Markannen, it sets them up to be right in the thick of things in the Western Conference in 2024-2025.
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