Jazz News: Danny Ainge’s Demands For Lauri Markkanen Trade Suggest Warriors, Kings & Timberwolves Stand No Chance of Landing Ex-MIP

Paul George and Klay Thompson emerged as the stars of the off-season trade drama. The free agency deadline opened the floodgates and GMs of respective franchises put their brains to work to craft a better team for the coming season. Right when it felt like the trade storm had calmed down, the latest report revealed the slowly brewing blockbuster move involving the Utah Jazz star, Lauri Markkenan.

The latest update stated that the 27-year-old received a “bevy of interest from teams around the league.” The franchises that showed interest in the star included the Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves, and San Antonio Spurs. One of the common links between these teams is that none of them have struck any major headlines in the off-season. Except for the Spurs, who roped in Chris Paul from the Dubs. The Warriors are clearly in a tough spot after losing Klay Thompson as well.

Hoopshype’s Michael Scotto further described, “The Jazz would only consider moving Markkanen for a sizable trade package similar to what the Knicks gave up to acquire Mikal Bridges,” which also means they will only entertain sizable barters. So, here are the potential assets that the teams are ready to give up to meet Jazz’s executive, Danny Ainge’s demand.

Firstly, the Dubs have Jonathan Kuminga as their top trade asset. However, the team is hesitant to trade the 21-year-old if they don’t receive an All-NBA player. Unfortunately, The 2022-23 Most Improved Player hasn’t added that feather to his hat yet.

On the other hand, the Sacramento Kings’ rising star forward Keegan Murray is their likely asset going to move in the Lauri Markkanen pursuit. The 22-year-old, in his sophomore year, has come up the ranks, averaging 15.2 ppg along with a high score of 47 points last season. Going forward in the league, he has shown immense potential to improve further.

Moving on to the TWolves, the report stated that the Jazz might eye either Karl-Anthony Towns or Jaden McDaniels. Considering their post-season failure, Utah would look to make a big change and the Spurs also have potential trade assets with Devin Vassell, Kelson Johnson, and Jeremy Sochan.

Which team is likely to bag Lauri Markkanen?

The Golden State Warriors, short-handed by Klay Thompson and Chris Paul’s departure, seem the most likely to trade Lauri Markkanen. The team couldn’t do much damage in the league with underwhelming performances from Klay and Wiggins. Especially with Wiggs, who dropped his career low, averaging 13.2 ppg. They were in dire need of stacking their frontcourt with a star.

Moreover, the team hasn’t made much movement in the free agency market apart from their interests in Kyle Anderson, De’Anthony Melton, and Buddy Hield. While these players, barring Buddy, rarely will get a spot in the starting lineup, they are expected to join the already stacked second unit. Not to forget the team’s youth movement success.

While the minutes of youth players ultimately cut down with the loaded second, Mr. McCant, a notable reporter, predicts the Warriors to take the highway in the latter half of the off-season. “Without a trade, you have this cluster of a roster of players fighting for minutes at the same position. Which would make a deep team with no secondary star,” he further pointed out.

On the other hand, Jonathan Kuminga emerged as the most improved player for the Dubs, averaging 16.1 points in comparison to 9.9 and 9.3 from the seasons before, and covering the frontcourt. Maybe the Dubs will gear up for another heartbreaking goodbye. What do you think?

Before you go, do not forget to check out Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, to open up about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud. Keep checking this space for more such updates.