Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images
While a trade for Utah Jazz star forward Lauri Markkanen appears less likely, the Golden State Warriors are reportedly prepared to pivot.
According to Shams Charania, Tony Jones and Anthony Slater of The Athletic, losing out on Markkanen “doesn’t mean an immediate panic,” and the Warriors are now “expected to explore smaller-scale deals more actively than is typical in August and September.”
Despite Markkanen being one of the most coveted trade candidates this offseason, it was reported that he and the Jazz “are expected to agree to a massive, long-term contract extension.” By signing the deal on Wednesday or later, the 27-year-old will not be eligible to be traded for the entirety of the 2024-25 season.
In addition to the Warriors, Markkanen also reportedly drew trade interest from the Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs. However, it was noted that Golden State “made the most aggressive offer, centered around Moses Moody, multiple first-round picks, pick swaps and second-rounders.”
Unfortunately, trade discussions between the Warriors and Jazz “were most alive in early July but became sporadic in recent weeks.” Golden State reportedly has been “resigned that a Markkanen long-term extension in Utah is a foregone conclusion.”
Still, the Warriors reportedly “feel comfortable entering training camp and the regular season as currently constructed.”
Golden State is in control of all but one of its future first-round picks and has a young crop of talent that includes Moody, Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga and Trayce Jackson-Davis, giving the franchise the flexibility to be aggressive in its hopes of adding stars next to Stephen Curry and Draymond Green at the trade deadline this season.
The Houston Rockets began their Emirates NBA Cup 2024 run with Friday’s home game versus the Los Angeles Clippers. Here’s a look at how it all works.From th
The calls to help don’t appear to be getting through to Kyle Singler yet. The one-time Duke star has continued to post worrying videos on Instag
NBA Cup Group Play action returns on Friday night, with 12 different games in action and several teams playing their second NBA Cup matchup this week.After a 1-
The Golden State Warriors will look to stay perfect in 2024 NBA Cup play when they batt