NBA Trade Rumors: Warriors, Spurs Eye Lauri Markkanen amid Klay Thompson, CP3 Buzz | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors


SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 11: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz looks on after the game against the Houston Rockets on April 11, 2024 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)

Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images

The Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs are reportedly among the teams interested in trading for Utah Jazz forward Lauri Makkanen.

“There’s some other teams that are looking at Markkanen,” Windhorst said on the Hoop Collective (24:30 mark). “I think San Antonio is one of them.”

Windhorst added that the Warriors are “investigating” the feasibility of adding Markkanen after losing out on their pursuit of Paul George, the expected departure of Klay Thompson and the waiving of Chris Paul.

Golden State is reportedly exploring several sign-and-trade avenues for Thompson. Paul reportedly agreed to a one-year contract with the Spurs on Sunday.

The Jazz opened the offseason with hopes of adding a co-star for Markkanen, but they have seemingly resigned themselves to shopping the All-Star. Markkanen is heading into the final year of his contract and becomes eligible for an extension on Aug. 6, though it’s possible he waits until free agency next summer to maximize his value.

The Warriors are at a franchise crossroads after their plan to retool their roster around Stephen Curry and Draymond Green blew up in their face. They’re now facing an uncertain future with Curry and Green both well into their 30s playing on a team that has almost no chance to compete for a championship.

Adding Markkanen would change the equation somewhat, but it might require Golden State to unload all of its young assets and several future draft picks. Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody would likely be must-haves for the Jazz in trade talks.

The Spurs’ agreement with Paul indicates they’re serious about improvement this offseason after largely spending last season with a roster full of young players trying to find their role. Victor Wembanyama looks every bit like the superstar San Antonio hoped, and Markkanen is a 27-year-old stretch big who would fit perfectly next to him in the frontcourt for the foreseeable future.

Don’t be surprised if the Spurs wind up being the most aggressive team when it comes to winning the Markkanen sweepstakes.





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