The last few weeks in the off-season have brought along some big trade surprises, acquisitions, and extensions! From the Lakers missing out on both Klay Thompson and DeMar DeRozan to Jalen Brunson taking a discounted extension for the Knicks benefit, changes are being made in every direction. For the Utah Jazz, their effort to provide an extension to Lauri Markkanen has hit a slight roadblock, after finding out they can either keep the player or their financials in check. Fortunately, Shams Charania has a fix.

During his appearance on Sirius XM Radio earlier today, he highlighted that the Jazz may not be that easily persuaded to trade Lauri Markkanen. After all, the 2023 All-Star gives them an edge and a better chance to compete for the Championship. However, per that logic, then the franchise can work out a deal with GSW to bring in more young blood that can help in the Jazz’s rebuilding process. “I don’t think they want to move Lauri Markkanen, but if the Golden State Warriors put in Brandin Podziemski for what I’m told, three first-round picks, three-four unprotected pick swaps….” said Charania.

“I think the Jazz are focused more on Brandin Podziemski, and his inclusion in the deal, all the picks being in the deal, and I think from the Warriors perspective, it’s Podziemski, but then there is not ‘all the picks.’ If it’s ‘all the picks’ then there is not going to be a Podziemski. And so, this could be a back-and-forth, but both sides are kind of entrenched right now at where they’re at.”

According to KCL Sports, Lauri Markkanen can add up to four years and $160 million to his existing deal. When taking his current pay of $18.04 million for the 2024-25 season into account, along with that of 15 other players, the Jazz are set to spend $150 million in terms of salaries. Giving Markkanen a raise would add an extra $21.96 million to their expenditure and cause them to cross the Luxury Tax Limit, an action that would put severe penalties on them. However, if the extension deal becomes too expensive for the Jazz, they can always engage in a trade deal with the Warriors.

Shams Charania believes that Stephen Curry and Co. have been “the most engaged team for Markkanen in recent weeks.” After all, with Klay Thompson’s exit, there’s a sense of uncertainty lingering with the Warriors’ future. With not many years remaining in Curry’s tenure, a possible rebuild around him would give the franchise their best chance to secure the Championship ring. At the same time, however, the Jazz would not let go of Lauri that easily, since average stats like 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2 assists have made Markkanen a major part of their rebuild! Notably, Brandin Podziemski is not the only player they would seek from the Bay Area.

Utah Jazz wants Jonathan Kuminga along with Brandin Podziemski in exchange for their star player

The only other thing that would sweeten the deal for the Jazz to part ways with Lauri Markkanen is if power forward Jonathan Kuminga was added to the mix. With the Warriors initially presenting an offer to trade shooting guard Moses Moody, the Jazz requested to add Kuminga and Podziemski, as it would bring in more established talent to their main lineup. Since both stars were rotation players for the Warriors last season, the Jazz may have felt that would get a better use out of the duo.

While Brandin Podziemski would be a valuable addition, the 9.2 points he averaged during the recent season left Utah hungry for more. They found the same in Kuminga, who averaged 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. On top of that, the 6.2-11.6 field goals and 3-4 free throws he averaged fulfill the requirement for an efficient shooter.

The Warriors would want to close in on the deal as soon as they can. After all, according to ESPN reporter Zach Lowe, the Miami Heat are also looking to acquire Lauri Markkanen, and, on paper, they look to be the better team for him to join.

Before leaving, be sure to check out some insights that Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, shared about the Lakers legend’s infamous feud with the late Kobe Bryant.