Warriors would have to show patience to re-sign Lauri Markkanen

The Golden State Warriors are reportedly interested in acquiring Lauri Markkanen via trade. The rumor mill has been churning out potential trade packages to send the impressive big man to the Bay Area in recent weeks. According to reports, Utah are pushing for a package centered around Brandin Podziemski and future draft capital, while the Warriors would prefer to keep the sophomore on their roster.

Another hurdle Golden State must face if they choose to acquire Markkanen is that he is in the final year of his current contract. The Warriors don’t have the available cap space to negotiate a contract extension with the big man instantly. According to Marc Stein, the franchise’s continued interest in a potential trade could indicate a level of confidence that the Warriors could re-sign Markkanen in the 2025 offseason.

“The Warriors’ ongoing interest in Markkanen, furthermore, suggests they have confidence in their ability to sign the 7-foot Finn to a contract extension next summer should they ultimately persuade Utah to consummate a trade after weeks of discussion between the teams that began in conjunction with the June 26 draft,” Stein Reported. “Golden State, remember, does not possess the salary cap space to execute an immediate renegotiate-and-extend deal with Markkanen that Utah has and would have to wait until after the season to secure his long-term future in the Bay Area. Renegotiate-and-extend deals can only be completed with cap space.”

Currently, there doesn’t appear to be a framework in place between Utah and Golden State; as such, a trade isn’t projected to be imminent. As Stein detailed, the Warriors have multiple moving parts to consider before signing off on any deal.

Nevertheless, Markkanen would fill a clear need within Golden State’s rotation and could position them to contend for a championship in the near future. Whether Mike Dunleavy Jr. can get a deal over the line will remain to be seen.