The Golden State Warriors are yet to find solace in the 2024 off-season. Even though the team has made multiple trade moves, improving their roster depth, it is still eyeing for a big fish. It’s none other than Lauri Markkanen. After a failed attempt to grab Paul George during the free agency frenzy, the Dubs front office has opted to go in with a calmer approach, as per veteran ESPN writer, Ramona Sheburne. Nevertheless, she also stressed that the Bay Area has a multi-edged threat in pursuing the Utah Jazz player.

After the departure of Klay Thompson, it’s reasonable to imagine the alarming situation in the front office to find a replacement. Especially with a veteran champion player, Stephen Curry, on the side. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case. Shelburne, featuring in the latest radio podcast show Willard & Dibs on 95.7 The Game, described the current mood in the Bay Area huddle.

The 45-year-old veteran writer added, “I’ll say this. After the Warriors lost out on Paul George, There was a sort of resignation like maybe they need to keep their powder dry, like maybe they just got to be patient and they’ll keep trying, they’re going to keep doing but they’re not going to overpay and they’re not going to do anything out of desperation.” Moreover, Shelburne also suggested the reason behind the team’s calmer approach.

She added, “I definitely felt the sense of like they were going to stretch for Paul George but there’s a discipline there right now.” Most importantly, the clock is also ticking for the Dubs, as Markkanen’s extension eligibility is around the corner. It also has its own catch. If Lauri Markkanen signs his extension post-August 7, the Warriors will miss out on the opportunity to trade him for the entire next season because of the six-month no-trade rule and trade deadline window.

What’s the multi-edged threat for the Dubs?

With the number of updates regarding the Warriors’ pursuit to nab Lauri Markkanen, it’s understood that he is the only hope for the side. However, it doesn’t seem to happen very easily. Romana Shelburne, who added that the Finnish player isn’t desperate to trade out of Utah, also added another threat.

She added, “The Warriors are probably not the only team in on Markkanen. There’s a sense that it’s just the Warriors. I don’t think so. I think there are 3 or 4 other teams calling Utah about him.” The Warriors aren’t alone, they’ve company!

A few weeks ago, the Sacramento Kings approached the Jazz for Markkanen with a picks-heavy offer but it was declined. And, they moved on to trade DeMar DeRozan. Now, Shelburne has confirmed that at least three teams are looking to get him.

The Dubs have a heavy price to pay for the trade. In the last three years, the Warriors’ youth movement has certainly impressed the NBA world. The team can make an offer involving players like Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Trayce Jackson-Davis. But, the only question is: Is it worth it? Let us know in the comments below.

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