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 in the course of the subsequent offseason. Nevertheless, some sources across the league say that the Warriors’ failed pursuit for the star ahead would possibly truly change into a blessing in disguise.
One of many first to touch upon this consequence was ESPN’s Kendra Andrews, who not too long ago shared that Golden State didn’t “wish to be concerned in any ‘unhealthy offers’” that might obligate the membership to surrender necessary gamers who they weren’t sure of buying and selling out in change for a participant they desired.
In the course of 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 powerful 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 in the course of the offseason, with that showing like the precise transfer for them up to now given their present type 🤔https://t.co/TnVFM3PygH
— Blue Man Hoop (@BlueManHoop) November 8, 2024
In line with 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 turned one of the vital pursued gamers in league this previous summer season, he ended up signing a large contract extension that scared away contenders.
This extension now signifies 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 advised the press a number of months in the past. “It’s a snug 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 season, stories instructed that the Warriors have been wanting into Jonas Valanciunas
Valanciunas, who simply signed on a three-year, $30 million contract this previous summer season, averaged 12.2 factors on 55.9-percent capturing, with 8.8 rebounds and a pair of.1 assists in 23.5 minutes per match this previous 2023-24 season.
Many imagine 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 worth for the Warriors,” insider Sean Deveney assured. “A bundle of [Kevon] Looney and Moses Moody may get a deal completed, although it’s seemingly the Wizards would need a draft choose as effectively.
“Moody is just 22, although, and given his two-way potential, could be among the many greatest gamers the Wizards could be provided for Valančiūnas. The Warriors may 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 steadily 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.”
