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Credits: Imago
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via Imago
Credits: Imago
It is rare to see a franchise take a hit after another in the trade market, but that’s exactly what’s happening to the Golden State Warriors. The franchise is getting ready for a post-Steph Curry era and as things look, they’ve already butchered the job. Chris Paul walked out of the door for free, Klay Thompson is gone, Paul George ditched a move to the West Coast and now seemingly another major target is slipping away thanks to the recent developments surrounding DeMar DeRozan.
Under the leadership of Joe Lacob, the Warriors are looking like a ticking time bomb waiting to implode from within. In just a matter of a week, the San Francisco franchise is looking like a beat-up boxer waiting for the final bell to ring. The era-ending exit of Thompson was unforgiving to the souls of the Warriors fans and, if you’re one, brace for more impact.
According to NBA Insider Shams Charania, DeMar DeRozan and his reps will meet the Kings’ front office. After a positive mutual interest from both sides, the All-Star is ready to move on from Chicago. Although reports suggest it will be a sign-and-trade deal with a third facilitator involved, possibly the Spurs. The Bulls’ vice president of basketball operations, Arturas Karnisovas is unwilling to take the significant load of the new contract as the franchise is looking for a younger core of players.
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Sources: DeMar DeRozan is traveling to meet with the Kings in Sacramento this weekend. The Kings are in serious pursuit of the six-time All-Star, who has begun one-on-one conversations with various team personnel. pic.twitter.com/a6hroFmcxp
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 6, 2024
After parting ways with Alex Caruso, now possibly with DeRozan and with Zach LaVine on the table, Karnisovas is leaving no stone unturned. Many reports heavily linked the Lakers to a move for DeRozan but with each passing hour, the possibility is fizzling out. Now one might question how DeMar DeRozan’s move concerns the Warriors. On closer inspection, it does, believes Fletcher Mackel of NBC NOLA.
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How does DeMar DeRozan trade affect the Warriors?
With DeRozan walking toward the Kings, a chain reaction might start if the deal gets sealed. The Sacramento franchise was in a hunt for a wing to complement Domantas Sabonis. With Brandon Ingram and DeMar DeRozan on their radar, capturing one, in this case, the Bulls F, essentially means the other one will remain in the market. And here is the thing, now with Ingram on the trade block, the Jazz might attempt to secure him in a deal for want away Lauri Markkanen. This will send Markkanen to the Pelicans and Ingram to the Jazz, a like-for-like, All-Star caliber trade. But who was on the hunt for Markkanen? The Warriors. Now, with the dots connecting, let’s make things a bit more sombre.
What’s your perspective on:
Warriors eyeing Markkanen—Is Joe Lacob making a desperate move or a genius play?
Have an interesting take?
For a moment, let’s assume the Markkanen deal doesn’t happen with the Pels, given Ingram’s market plummeted stock on the trade block. Good news for the Warriors, but no, it’s not. This time, the bad news comes from Cleveland. After tying down their star, Donovan Mitchell, the Cavs will focus on their other concerns and one of them is Jarrett Allen. The center will be entering the penultimate season on his $100 million contract, which makes him a viable trade chip. The Cavs can entice Jazz to hand over Markkanen with an added incentive of the 2031 first-round draft pick. Where does that leave the Warriors? Exactly, with nothing and this leaves Joe Lacob and the Warriors right back where they started last week.
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Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what brand maker, Leonard Armato, had to say about the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe, check out this video.
Debate
Warriors eyeing Markkanen—Is Joe Lacob making a desperate move or a genius play?