The Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs are reportedly among the teams interested in trading for Utah Jazz forward Lauri Makkanen.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said the Jazz have been active in trade talks
“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 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 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 would likely also require Golden State unloads all of its young assets and several future draft picks. Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody would likely be non-negotiables for the Jazz in trade talks.
The Spurs’ addition of 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.