The latest on Super Star Contracts leaves Warriors with just one rational alternative.
The Golden State Warriors are looking to improve their squad after losing Klay Thompson and Chris Paul. They did well by implementing free agency. Golden State acquired three rotation pieces but is dissatisfied. The Warriors want to create a championship contender around Stephen Curry and are looking to add another All-Star.
Fans have heard whispers about Lauri Markkanen. The All-Star forward is approaching the last season of his deal and anticipates a significant increase. Utah is rebuilding and needs to determine whether they can construct a contender around him. The Jazz’s best choice may be to trade the 27-year-old, especially if they can obtain a huge return for him.
Shams Charania revealed his newest speculations (subscription needed), including what Danny Ainge and the Jazz desire in Markkanen. If Shams is correct, the Dubs have just one alternative.
Golden State desires Markkanen and is willing to pay for the All-Star. Charania stated that the Warriors were ready to provide Moses Moody and a large draft capital haul, but the Jazz countered by demanding Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, Moody, and draft picks.
Markkanen cannot be traded for two young starters, a third rotation component, and draft money. The All-Star is due to earn $18.0 million this season, and Golden State cannot extend him beyond that. Utah can renegotiate and extend since it has cap room. If the Warriors trade for Markkanen, he will be a free agency in the summer of 2025, and Golden State must pay him the maximum salary to keep him.
If the Dubs fulfill Ainge’s asking price, they will not have a competing roster. Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Markkanen would form a formidable top three, but Golden State would have to rely on Andrew Wiggins to rebound, with newcomers De’Anthony Melton and Buddy Hield playing important roles on the wings. They would undoubtedly be weak in certain areas if an accident struck.
Aside from that, the Warriors would have an elderly roster with limited flexibility. Markkanen and Melton would be the only alternatives in their prime years. Five of their 10 rotation players are in their 30s, so things might easily go wrong. Trayce Jackson-Davis would be the last young, developing talent remaining in the Bay Area.
The Golden State Warriors need another star to compete in the stacked Western Conference, but they can’t deal away all of their young assets to get one. Utah demands too much, so the Warriors’ only alternative is to walk away.
