Despite the fact that Lauri Markkanen ended up extending his contract in Utah for years to come back, he’s nonetheless eligible to be traded out through the subsequent offseason. Nevertheless, some sources across the league say that the Warriors’ failed pursuit for the star ahead would possibly truly turn into a blessing in disguise.
One of many first to touch upon this consequence was ESPN’s Kendra Andrews, who just lately shared that Golden State didn’t “need to be concerned in any ‘unhealthy offers’” that may obligate the membership to surrender necessary gamers who they weren’t sure of buying and selling out in alternate for a participant they desired.
Throughout the negotiations with the Utah group, she assures that sources point out “what the Jazz have been asking for in return for Markkanen fell beneath the ‘unhealthy deal’ class, and the talks stalled.” Now that the California workforce is off to a robust begin of the season, many marvel if Lauri’s inclusion would’ve labored out.
The Jazz have been unwilling to maneuver Lauri Markkanen to the Warriors through the offseason, with that showing like the correct transfer for them thus far given their present type
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— Blue Man Hoop (@BlueManHoop) November 8, 2024
Based on Andrews’ recount of what occurred, negotiations between each groups “diminished” after Jazz requested for second-year guard and All-Rookie first-team choice Brandin Podziemski to be included within the deal, which already got here with a number of draft picks.
The Warriors are reportedly “holding excessive worth” of their younger prospects and will solely be satisfied to commerce out with an “overwhelming supply.” Despite the fact that Markkanen grew to become one of the crucial pursued gamers in league this previous summer time, he ended up signing an enormous contract extension that scared away contenders.
This extension now implies that the 27-year-old can’t be traded for the next six months of competitors, which pushes him previous the February sixth deadline, and can’t be moved till subsequent offseason.
“They’ve all confirmed their perception in me, from the possession to the entrance workplace to Will,” Lauri instructed the press a couple of months in the past. “It’s a cushty setting and people guys’ resumes communicate for themselves. I belief within the group to assist develop me as an individual and a participant, to construct our workforce and I’m able to tackle the problem.”
After the Finnish participant prolonged his contract in Utah this summer time, stories steered that the Warriors have been trying into Jonas Valanciunas
Valanciunas, who simply signed on a three-year, $30 million contract this previous summer time, averaged 12.2 factors on 55.9-percent capturing, with 8.8 rebounds and a couple of.1 assists in 23.5 minutes per match this previous 2023-24 season.
Many consider that the Lithuanian would possibly strike a deal out of Washington even earlier than subsequent yr’s February 6 commerce deadline. “Due to his decidedly team-friendly contract, Valančiūnas could be had at an inexpensive value for the Warriors,” insider Sean Deveney assured. “A package deal of [Kevon] Looney and Moses Moody might get a deal carried out, although it’s probably the Wizards would desire a draft decide as effectively.
“Moody is simply 22, although, and given his two-way potential, can be among the many finest gamers the Wizards can be supplied for Valančiūnas. The Warriors might embrace a second-rounder or a protected first-rounder in the event that they felt they wanted to beat all presents,” he defined in his report some months in the past.
The Heavy.com reporter talked about different groups additionally confirmed curiosity within the Washington participant. “The Lakers have been most regularly linked with Valančiūnas, however L.A. has additionally been reluctant to surrender both of its tradeable draft picks,” Deveney wrote. “If and when Valančiūnas hits the market, there figures to be ample competitors.”
