The Golden State Warriors are currently exploring potential trades for star players after not being able to acquire Paul George. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on his “Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective” podcast, the Warriors have been looking into a trade with the Utah Jazz for star forward Lauri Markkanen.
Windhorst mentioned that the Warriors are still exploring various options and that Markkanen is available on the trade market. There is interest from the San Antonio Spurs as well in potentially trading for Markkanen, and teams in discussions with Utah believe there is a good chance the Jazz will trade him.
During the 2023-24 NBA season, Markkanen played 55 games for the Jazz and averaged impressive statistics of 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game while shooting nearly 40 percent from beyond the arc. Many believe Markkanen could be an excellent second scoring option for Warriors guard Steph Curry, providing the team with additional size at 7 feet.
Aside from Markkanen, the Warriors are also considering trades for Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls and Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans. It is uncertain who the Warriors will ultimately acquire through trade, but Markkanen is seen as a potentially great fit for the team.