According to reports, the Golden State Warriors are still in hot pursuit of Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen. The Dubs’ front office believes that the All-Star big man could be the missing piece to their puzzle ahead of what they’re hoping will be a legitimate challenge to the title this coming season.
Golden State’s trade chase, however, appears to have taken an unexpected twist of late with the Jazz now seemingly on the fence about parting ways with their prized star.
Golden State Warriors News: Utah Jazz Mulling Lauri Markkanen Trade
According to NBA insider Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Warriors “remain in pursuit” of Markkanen, who is currently entering the final year of his deal with the Jazz. At this point, however, it has turned into a waiting game as Utah weighs its options.
“Markkanen, as several have chronicled, becomes extension eligible on Aug. 6. He’s on an expiring $18 million contract and due for a large long-term raise. There are several within the league who have grown more convinced that the Jazz, after exploring Markkanen’s trade market, plan to renegotiate-and-extend Markkanen, using their saved up cap space,” Slater wrote.
Despite multiple reports linking Markkanen to a move away from Utah, the Jazz are reportedly now considering doing a complete U-turn to retain the services of the 7-foot forward.
For their part, the Warriors are reportedly prepared to wait it out in “what could be a drawn-out process.”
Warriors Keeping Patient
Slater went on to report that Golden State is in no rush to make a landscape-shifting move. In fact, the Warriors are reportedly willing to wait until the mid-season trade deadline before pulling the trigger on a potential blockbuster deal.
“They’re comfortable entering the season with the current 14-man roster, league sources said, believing they shored up the middle of their rotation with three value signings early in free agency: De’Anthony Melton at $12.8 million next season, Kyle Anderson at $8.7 million and Buddy Hield at $8.7 million,” Slater reported.
Right now, the Warriors aren’t forcing anything. Instead, they’re patiently waiting for the perfect opportunity to arise before making their move.
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