The NBA offseason is currently in a lull following an action-packed season and summer. Nonetheless, the trade market remains a hotbed of activity, with Lauri Markkanen emerging as one of the most talked-about names. Renowned for his versatility and scoring capabilities, Markkanen has drawn significant interest from the Golden State Warriors.
The Warriors have primarily centered their offers around Moses Moody and various draft compensations. However, the Jazz have shown considerable interest in another young Warrior—Brandin Podziemski.
Podziemski Shines Under Kerr
Under the tutelage of head coach Steve Kerr, Podziemski has been nothing short of impressive. He averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists last season, showcasing his all-around capabilities on the court. His performance has earned him a solid position in the rotation, even ahead of promising players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody. Notably, Podziemski boasts a 38.5% shooting rate from beyond the arc, making him a valuable asset for the Warriors.
Kerr couldn't hold back his praise for Podziemski. "I don't care if he scores or not. He is in every one of our best lineups. He is our best plus-minus guy (plus-3.8) for the year. He is really good, no matter whether he is scoring or not. I know, especially as a rookie, that he'll have ups and downs from a scoring standpoint, and right now, he is in a down period. But he allows other guys to play well just because of his recognition of what is happening on the floor, his cuts, ball movement, spacing. I'm thrilled with Brandin, and as long as he keeps playing as hard as he is, he'll be out there," Kerr stated.
Markkanen’s Impressive Stats
On the other side of the trade rumors, Lauri Markkanen has been making waves with his stellar performance. Last season, Markkanen averaged an impressive 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. His shooting prowess from beyond the arc, with a 39.9% conversion rate, has also made him a highly sought-after player. Over the past two seasons, the Jazz have posted a 55-67 record with Markkanen in the lineup, underscoring his impact on the team's performance.
Markkanen's contract situation adds another layer of intrigue. He is set to earn $18 million for the 2024-25 season and becomes eligible to renegotiate and extend his contract with the Jazz starting August 6. With Markkanen approaching a critical juncture in his career, the potential for a trade adds a sense of urgency to the negotiations.
Warriors’ Dilemma: Podziemski or Kuminga?
The Warriors are reportedly keen to keep Podziemski out of trade discussions, recognizing his value to the team. Instead, they are more willing to part with Jonathan Kuminga. This decision highlights the Warriors' strategic thinking and their high regard for Podziemski's potential.
In summary, the trade winds in the NBA are blowing strongly, with Lauri Markkanen at the center of intense speculation. As the Warriors and Jazz navigate their roster decisions, the basketball world waits with bated breath to see where Markkanen will land and how these potential trades will reshape the competitive landscape for the upcoming season.
For now, the focus remains on the young talents like Podziemski, who continue to impress and carve out their niches in the league, and the established stars like Markkanen, who are poised to make significant impacts, whether they stay put or find new homes. The offseason may be in a temporary calm, but the storm of activity is never far behind in the NBA.