Warriors have ‘checked in’ on Miami Heat star center…
The Lauri Markkanen sweepstakes continue, with the Utah Jazz All-Star eligible for an extension starting Aug. 6. He is due $18 million this season, making Markkanen one of the best value contracts in the NBA with the looming promise of long-term team control.
Of the teams engaged on the Markkanen front, the Golden State Warriors are the most aggressive, per Shams Charania of The Athletic. It’s clear the Warriors want another All-Star on the wing. After striking out on Paul George, there is obvious appeal in Markkanen’s relative youth (27), less exorbitant contract, and hand-in-glove fit.
Truly, there might not be a more natural hypothetical pairing between team and star in the NBA. Markkanen doesn’t offer much on-ball creation, but he’s a towering shot-maker who is comfortable curling around screens and firing off of movement. He’s a 7-footer with a high release point, so the jump shot is hard to contest, much less block. Golden State’s offense is rooted in constant off-ball motion and swift, sharp decision-making. It would be a natural home for Markkanen.
There are hangups, though. The Warriors have the draft picks and young talent to entice Utah’s front office, but it’s unclear if Golden State GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. is actually willing to part with the Warriors’ top prospects. Per Charania’s latest report, Utah covets sophomore guard Brandin Podziemski, a player the Warriors are disinclined to trade.
