Utah Jazz asking price in deal Star striker Lauri Markkanen The player is considered a “bad fit” for the Warriors – the team the Finn-born player has played for the most, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported Monday, citing league sources.
According to Charania, while the Warriors are offering guard Moses Moody, future draft picks and pick swaps, the Jazz are also asking for forward Jonathan Kuminga and guard Brandin Podziemski in a potential deal.
While the Jazz are listening to offers for Markkanen, Charania also reported they are open to keeping the No. 7 pick in the 2017 draft, who becomes eligible for an extension on Aug. 6.
The Jazz’s desire to keep Markkanen may be the reason behind the high price tag on the potential deal.
Tony Jones of The Athletic Reported on 95.7 The Game Last week, he said the Warriors had what he considered a “big” offer on the table for Markkanen.
“I think the level of offers is great,” Jones said. “I think it’s very much a selection thing. I think with two offers out there, there are one or two young players who have the potential to grow over the course of their careers.”
Jones’ report appears to be consistent with Charania’s recent report that the Warriors have an offer based on Moody — the young player — and draft picks on the table.
The Warriors have reportedly been linked to Markkanen since July 1, shortly after the NBA’s free-agent transfer window opened, and things settled down in the hectic opening days.
Markkanen, who earned his first All-Star selection and was voted Most Improved Player of the Year during the 2022-23 season, is averaging 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds in 55 games in 2023-24.
Kuminga and Moody, the two lottery picks in the 2021 NBA Draft, are on different paths at the moment, which is fueling the Warriors’ alleged desire to move one but not the other.
Kuminga had a successful 2023-24 season, averaging a career-high 16.1 points in 74 games, starting 46. Many Warriors players, including Draymond Green, believe the sky is the limit for the 21-year-old.
The Warriors reportedly turned down Kuminga when they were discussing a Paul George trade to the Los Angeles Clippers earlier in July.
On the other hand, Moody has shown flashes of potential but has struggled to get consistent minutes in coach Steve Kerr’s lineup. The 22-year-old averaged 8.1 points in 17.5 minutes last season, both career highs.
Podziemski, who was selected 19th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, has quickly become a pivotal member of the Warriors’ roster. He started 28 games as a rookie and has a chance to retain that role alongside Steph Curry when the 2024-25 season opens in October.
It remains to be seen if the Warriors and Utah Jazz can bridge the gap in trade talks and reach a deal that works for both teams.
But it’s clear the Warriors don’t want to part ways with Kuminga and Podziemski, who are two of the most important pieces of their future.
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