One NBA writer is proposing that the Golden State Warriors acquire Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz.
Michael Pina of The Ringer proposed the following trade idea between the Warriors and Jazz:
Warriors get: Lauri Markkanen
Jazz get: Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Gary Payton II, and two unprotected first-round picks
Markkanen is one of the best players in the NBA. He’s averaging 23.7 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.0 assists this season while shooting 48.7% from the field, 39.0% from beyond the arc and 82.9% from the free-throw line.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz, Golden State Warriors Updates
The Warriors could start Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Markkanen and Draymond Green if Golden State’s front office figured out a way to acquire Markkanen from Utah.
“Curry—a once-in-several-lifetimes talent whose prime should be maximized at all costs—gets a sidekick and his most talented teammate since Kevin Durant left, a dangerous pick-and-roll partner who stretches the floor and was born to thrive in Kerr’s motion offense,” Pina wrote in his NBA trade proposal column. “Crucially, the Warriors also get a lot bigger. Markkanen is a legit 7 feet tall and can coexist on both ends with two of Looney, Green, and Saric. These lineups would bring the snarl they’re lacking.”
Curry is the only player on the Warriors averaging over 20.0 points. The two-time MVP needs more help on offense, which is why Pina is urging Golden State to acquire Markkanen.
The 26-year-old Markkanen has career NBA averages of 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting 45.7% overall, 37.2% from 3 and 85.6% from the foul line with the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers and Jazz. He’s the ideal stretch forward for Curry to play with.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz, Golden State Warriors Updates
Markkanen is making $17.3 million this season. He signed a four-year, $67 million contract with the Bulls in August 2021 as part of a sign-and-trade deal with the Cavaliers.
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