The Golden State Warriors appear to be closing in on Lauri Markkanen. The All-Star big man has emerged as the Dubs’ primary offseason target, and it looks like they are willing to pull out all the stops to make sure that Markkanen will be in a Warriors uniform this coming season.
Does this mean, though, that Golden State is willing to part ways with rising star Jonathan Kuminga to get this deal done?
Golden State Warriors News: Jonathan Kuminga for Lauri Markkanen?
According to NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, this might actually be an option for the Dubs. Kuminga is an integral piece for the Warriors — both now and for the future — but the front office might just be willing to let him go if it nets them a superstar like Markkanen:
“The Warriors, Kings, Spurs, Timberwolves, and Pelicans are among the teams who’ve expressed interest in trading for Markkanen, league sources told HoopsHype.
“Regarding Golden State, Jonathan Kuminga is considered the team’s top young trade asset. Yet, the Warriors ideally don’t want to part with him unless it’s for an All-NBA player, as previously reported by HoopsHype,” Scotto wrote.
A 3-Horse Race
A subsequent report now indicates that the Markkanen saga appears to have come down to a three-horse race. Apart from the Warriors, the Sacramento Kings, and the San Antonio Spurs reportedly have “significant trade offers” on the table for the 7-foot big man (h/t Evan Sidery on X, formerly Twitter):
As the report indicates, the Jazz are still considering all their options, including retaining Markkanen’s services. Either way, a decision should be made very soon.
