Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE through Getty Photographs
The Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs are reportedly among the many groups desirous about buying and selling for Utah Jazz ahead Lauri Makkanen.
“There’s another groups which can be taking a look at Markkanen,” Windhorst mentioned on the Hoop Collective (24:30 mark). “I feel San Antonio is certainly one of them.”
Windhorst added that the Warriors are “investigating” the feasibility of including Markkanen after dropping out on their pursuit of Paul George, the anticipated departure of Klay Thompson and the waiving of Chris Paul.
Golden State is reportedly exploring a number of sign-and-trade avenues for Thompson. Paul reportedly agreed to a one-year contract with the Spurs on Sunday.
The Jazz opened the offseason with hopes of including a co-star for Markkanen, however they’ve seemingly resigned themselves to procuring the All-Star. Markkanen is heading into the ultimate yr of his contract and turns into eligible for an extension on Aug. 6, although it is potential he waits till free company subsequent summer season to maximise his worth.
The Warriors are at a franchise crossroads after their plan to retool their roster round Stephen Curry and Draymond Inexperienced blew up of their face. They’re now going through an unsure future with Curry and Inexperienced each effectively into their 30s taking part in on a crew that has nearly no probability to compete for a championship.
Including Markkanen would change the equation considerably, however it may require Golden State to unload all of its younger belongings and several other future draft picks. Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody would possible be must-haves for the Jazz in commerce talks.
The Spurs’ settlement with Paul signifies they’re severe about enchancment this offseason after largely spending final season with a roster stuffed with younger gamers looking for their function. Victor Wembanyama seems to be each bit just like the celebrity San Antonio hoped, and Markkanen is a 27-year-old stretch massive who would match completely subsequent to him within the frontcourt for the foreseeable future.
Do not be shocked if the Spurs wind up being probably the most aggressive crew in terms of profitable the Markkanen sweepstakes.