The Lauri Markkanen trade battle has taken a new turn, one that's not going to go well for either the Warriors or the Kings.
Golden State and Sacramento have been at the center of trade speculation regarding the Jazz forward, with reports claiming the Warriors are “aggressive” within their own organization after moving the 27-year-old forward.
However, Utah is in talks with a “10 percent chance of moving him,” Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer reported on Wednesday (via Bleacher Report).
There are plenty of reasons why the Jazz remain hesitant to lose Markkanen, and why the Warriors, Kings and San Antonio Spurs have all expressed interest in the Finnish star.
Markkanen, an NBA All-Star and 2023 Most Valuable Player Award winner, appeared in 55 games for Utah during the 2023-24 NBA season, averaging 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting 48% from the field and 39.9% from three-point range, a commendable stat.
Fisher added that the Kings, who, like the Warriors, are seeking a difference-making forward this offseason, had recently come close to acquiring Markkanen in a trade.
“As far as I know, the Kings were close to a deal earlier this week,” Fisher said on Wednesday's “No Cap Room” podcast. “Based on the conversations I had, I believe so. I can't say much more than that, but I've had calls with NBA sources that indicate negotiations were in full swing.”
Golden State didn't stall out while pursuing a deal with Markkanen, reportedly acquiring proven shooter Buddy Hield in a sign-and-trade with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The 31-year-old would add some scoring potential to the team, but the Warriors will likely continue to search for a complement to superstar point guard Stephen Curry following the departure of Klay Thompson.
Markkanen may be a tough addition to head coach Steve Kerr's starting rotation, but the offseason is still early and it would be foolhardy to count the Warriors out.
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