Two NBA groups that may very well be heading in reverse instructions are nonetheless trying to bolster their rosters, because the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors have each maintained their curiosity in Jazz ahead Lauri Markkanen.
Warriors, Spurs Nonetheless Eyeing Lauri Markkanen
Report: Spurs, Warriors Have Contacted Jazz About Lauri Markkanen Inside Previous Week https://t.co/5gmk8GTTFB
— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) July 10, 2024
The Warriors have apparent must fill. They’ve already missed out on Paul George and noticed Klay Thompson stroll in free company, and want to capitalize on Stephen Curry’s late profession by fielding a aggressive roster round him. They’ve had their names hooked up to the Markkanen Sweepstakes from the start, and Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reviews that the 2 sides have had conversations in simply the previous week.
The Spurs try so as to add expertise another way. They’ve already added savvy veterans in Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes to workforce up with younger phenom Victor Wembanyama, and bringing in one of many league’s greatest taking pictures large males is seemingly on their agenda. They, too, have spoken with the Jazz about Markkanen prior to now 7 days.
Bridges Commerce Could Have Set The Market Too Excessive
BREAKING: The Brooklyn Nets have agreed in precept on a commerce to ship F Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks for Bojan Bogdanovic, 4 unprotected first-round picks, a protected first-round decide by way of Bucks, an unprotected decide swap and a second-rounder, sources inform ESPN. pic.twitter.com/TEGsIpoa3b
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 26, 2024
Whereas they’re definitely taking cellphone calls, it doesn’t seem that Utah is actively making an attempt to eliminate the 27-year-old Markkanen. And even when they’re, Danny Ainge is among the entrance workplace voices who is probably going heading negotiations, and he’s identified for squeezing absolutely the most out of belongings on the commerce market.
An added caveat is the Mikal Bridges commerce that occurred two weeks in the past. The Knicks despatched what equates to 6 first spherical picks so as to purchase Bridges from the Nets, a hefty value to pay for a participant who has by no means made an All-Star workforce. Markkenen does have an All-Star look to go together with a Most Improved Participant award beneath his belt, and had a extra environment friendly season than Bridges did in 2023-24.
If the Jazz are asking for the same package deal in trade for his or her asset, it will clarify the maintain up in motion on that entrance. The Warriors have picks and a few expertise to commerce, however may very well be reluctant to mortgage their future for a non-superstar participant.
