GOLDEN STATE – The focus of the Warriors’ proposals up to this point has been draft capital and Moses Moody. After yet another hectic season and summer, the NBA world is finally beginning to wind down, although the league never truly sleeps. There are still whispers of trades circulating, and one of the biggest names who may be dealt before the next season is Utah Jazz big man Lauri Markkanen.

The Golden State Warriors are one of Markkanen’s recognized admirers, but trade discussions between the two parties are reportedly at odds, according to seasoned reporter Marc Stein. The Warriors have made bids based around Moses Moody, while the Jazz are interested in Brandin Podziemski. Stein made the noteworthy claim that the Warriors would be more open to dealing Jonathan Kuminga than Podziemski. 

According to Stein – Some parts of the league believe that Utah’s interest in Brandon Podziemski of Golden State, along with potential future draft compensation that the Warriors could include with the All-Rookie first team selection, is significant enough to sustain the possibility of a Markkanen trade between now and August 6. That is the first day that Markkanen is able to renegotiate and extend his deal with the Jazz at a substantially greater amount than his $18 million expiration salary for 2024–2025—as you have undoubtedly heard by now.

However, there is also a growing consensus throughout the league that the Warriors would be more inclined to trade Jonathan Kuminga rather than Podziemski in exchange for Markkanen or any other big-swing deal. It should be mentioned up to this point, though, that Golden State’s bids for Markkanen have mostly focused on a deal that excludes Podziemski and Kuminga and includes Moses Moody and draft compensation.

Podziemski just finished an outstanding rookie year in which he averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and a 38.5% 3-point shooting percentage. Under head coach Steve Kerr, he not only made his way into the Warriors rotation, which is a remarkable accomplishment for a rookie, but he also appeared to have surpassed Kuminga and Moody, the team’s two most promising young players.

Relative to his scoring production, Steve Kerr was pleased with Brandin Podziemski’s play in the latter part of the previous season. Podziemski had the best plus-minus rating on the team (plus-3.8) for the season, Kerr said, and was a vital component of all of the club’s most successful lines. The coach highlighted Podziemski’s contribution to the game as a whole, pointing out that his value went beyond only his ability to score.

As a rookie, Podziemski’s scoring would inevitably fluctuate, and Kerr accepted that he was going through a slump at the moment. But the coach emphasized how Podziemski’s awareness of the game, his timing on cuts, ball movement, and spacing might improve his teammates’ play.

The head coach of the Warriors expressed his appreciation for Podziemski’s services once more and gave the rookie’s assurance that he would continue to get playing time as long as he put in a high level of effort. Kerr’s remarks emphasized how much he valued Podziemski’s versatility and his ability to contribute to the team’s success in ways other than just scoring baskets.

The reason the Jazz are interested in signing Podziemski and the Warriors are trying to keep him is because of his shooting, flexibility, and game sense. If they ultimately agree to a trade that sends Markkanen to the Bay Area, it will be intriguing to watch which side blinks first.

The Warriors are keen to add talent around Steph Curry and Draymond Green in order to keep their title window open after letting Klay Thompson depart this summer. Markkanen, who shot 39.9% from outside the arc last season, averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and has developed into an All-Star type player. He would undoubtedly fit around Curry, but the Warriors appear to be still discussing how much of their future they would be prepared to mortgage to get him.

If the Jazz are that serious about dealing Markkanen, they are obviously focused on the 2025 NBA Draft. Danny Ainge would prefer to endure another season in the wilderness rather than acquire more players and tank, maybe for Cooper Flagg.