The Warriors have been the front runners in the Lauri Markkanen trade story so far in the offseason. After losing their longtime shooting guard, Klay Thompson, the Dubs have been looking for a superstar to pair with Steph and Green. Now, on the other hand, they don’t have much to offer from their current roster. GSW can, of course, add future draft picks, but that won’t be a satisfying offer to Danny Ainge’s demands for someone like Markkanen. Yes, the Finnish star holds quite the value in the market, attributing to so much offseason chatter too, and Utah is ready to take advantage.

Danny Ainge has been on the lookout for younger superstars recently. And what better youngsters to welcome than Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga? The Jazz were actively demanding the two to be added to the offers. However, the Warriors are not willing to risk their future assets for Lauri Markkanen. While the Dubs did offer a pick-heavy package along with Moses Moody, it simply wasn’t enough for Utah to give up the Finnish forward.

So far, the trade deal hasn’t seen any progress. Meanwhile, Markkanen can look to request a contract extension by the end of the day. If he does sign an extension with the Jazz, he won’t be able to be in any trade deal until February 6th which also happens to be the next trade deadline. Nevertheless, as per recent reports via Jake Fischer and Trevor Lane, Lauri has no intentions of signing an extension before the deadline and will “delay his signature for that exact purpose,” taking him off the market. While this move can choke the Warriors, the Dubs recently planned on introducing a third franchise in this deal so as to keep Podz and JK away from the table.

But Lauri Markkanen is more inclined toward staying in Utah at this point. “We love to be here. I’ve said it multiple times and my family likes to be here.”, he said. But what does it mean if he stays with the Jazz? Well, should Lauri delay and re-sign, Jake Fischer suggests that this could act as a “domino” and open a lot of trade deals that would include players like Brandon Ingram, Jerami Grant, Cam Johnson, and others.

This in turn gives the Lakers more flexibility to go after one of their offseason targets. However, the situation isn’t any different with Rob Pelinka’s franchise, as they’re in a tight situation for giving away assets too.

The Lakers lacking a “difference maker” could land their target amidst Lauri Markkanen’s mess

From what the Lakers have left as trade assets, they do not wish to use Austin Reaves, and rightfully so. But giving away D’Angelo Russell can be a dangerous option along with the multiple draft picks they own. LA’s future draft picks alone can get them an All-Star guard or forward, but giving away these precious picks won’t be the best decision. Regardless, the Jerami Grant deal will ideally only cost them one first-round pick alongside salary matchers like Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent.

The Purple and Gold lack reliable shooters and scorers outside LeBron and AD. “The Lakers have, I think, limited options of players who are actually available, who are difference-makers that they could foreseeably go and acquire,” Jake Fischer said. Grant has turned into a more than reliable scorer averaging 21 points while shooting above 45% from the field and 40.2% from deep last season. An acquisition like this one will surely elevate the scoring and also add reliable depth to the JJ Redick-led franchise.

The Lakers already missed out on big-time free agents at the start of the offseason. At this point, they certainly wouldn’t want to repeat it. What are your thoughts? Do you think he’s a good fit for the Lakers? Let us know in the comments.

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.