Although Lauri Markkanen ended up extending his contract in Utah for years to come back, he’s nonetheless eligible to be traded out throughout the subsequent offseason. Nonetheless, some sources across the league say that the Warriors’ failed pursuit for the star ahead may truly develop into a blessing in disguise.
One of many first to touch upon this final result was ESPN’s Kendra Andrews, who lately shared that Golden State didn’t “wish to be concerned in any ‘unhealthy offers’” that will obligate the membership to surrender vital 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 had been asking for in return for Markkanen fell beneath the ‘unhealthy deal’ class, and the talks stalled.” Now that the California staff is off to a robust begin of the season, many marvel if Lauri’s inclusion would’ve labored out.
The Jazz had been unwilling to maneuver Lauri Markkanen to the Warriors throughout the offseason, with that showing like the proper transfer for them up to now given their present type 🤔https://t.co/TnVFM3PygH
— 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 provide.” Although Markkanen turned one of the crucial pursued gamers in league this previous summer season, he ended up signing an enormous 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 instructed the press a number of months in the past. “It’s a cushty setting and people guys’ resumes converse for themselves. I belief within the group to assist develop me as an individual and a participant, to construct our staff and I’m able to tackle the problem.”
After the Finnish participant prolonged his contract in Utah this summer season, experiences instructed that the Warriors had 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 consider that the Lithuanian may strike a deal out of Washington even earlier than subsequent 12 months’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 might get a deal carried out, although it’s seemingly the Wizards would need a draft decide as properly.
“Moody is simply 22, although, and given his two-way potential, could be among the many finest gamers the Wizards could 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 gives,” 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 incessantly related 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.”
