Despite the fact that Lauri Markkanen ended up extending his contract in Utah for years to return, 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 really grow to be a blessing in disguise.
One of many first to touch upon this final result was ESPN’s Kendra Andrews, who not too long ago shared that Golden State didn’t “need to be concerned in any ‘unhealthy offers’” that will obligate the membership to surrender essential gamers who they weren’t sure of buying and selling out in trade 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 below the ‘unhealthy deal’ class, and the talks stalled.” Now that the California workforce is off to a robust begin of the season, many surprise if Lauri’s inclusion would’ve labored out.
The Jazz had been unwilling to maneuver Lauri Markkanen to the Warriors in the course of the offseason, with that showing like the proper transfer for them to this point given their present kind 🤔https://t.co/TnVFM3PygH
— Blue Man Hoop (@BlueManHoop) November 8, 2024
In keeping 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 grew to become one of the vital pursued gamers in league this previous summer time, he ended up signing an enormous contract extension that scared away contenders.
This extension now implies 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 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 time, 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 time, averaged 12.2 factors on 55.9-percent taking pictures, with 8.8 rebounds and a couple 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 may be had at an affordable value for the Warriors,” insider Sean Deveney assured. “A bundle of [Kevon] Looney and Moses Moody might get a deal achieved, although it’s possible the Wizards would desire a draft decide as properly.
“Moody is barely 22, although, and given his two-way potential, can be among the many finest gamers the Wizards can be provided 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 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.”
