The Golden State Warriors need to rethink their lineup to regain serious competitiveness in the highly competitive Western Conference, especially with a younger roster. This could involve parting ways with veterans like Klay Thompson and Chris Paul.
However, it’s not just about shedding contracts; they also need to acquire players who can complement Steph Curry and Draymond Green as they approach the later stages of their careers.
Dan Favale of Bleacher Report proposed a trade scenario that would bring Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz to the Warriors. This offer involves trading some combination of young talents like Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, along with multiple first-round picks and salary-matching assets. Whether the Warriors are willing to make such a bold move remains uncertain.
While Markkanen may not single-handedly propel the Warriors back to their previous dominance, he represents a more feasible option than older stars like Kevin Durant or Paul George, who come with hefty price tags and could jeopardize the team’s future success.
At 27, Markkanen is not likely to be the centerpiece of the Warriors post-Curry era, but he’s young and talented enough to be a significant contributor. After struggling with the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Markkanen found success with the Jazz, showcasing his scoring ability and efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc.
Markkanen’s recent performance has increased his trade value, but the Warriors must weigh the cost, considering he’s entering the final year of his contract and is expected to seek a lucrative deal in free agency.
Any deal involving Markkanen would require the Warriors to give up promising young players and future draft picks, which might not be worth it unless they are committed to keeping Markkanen long-term and investing in their future.
