Warriors Trade Rumors: Lauri Markkanen is ‘No. 1 Target’ After Klay Thompson Exit

Doric SamJuly 2, 2024

Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images

After the departure of star shooting guard Klay Thompson, the Golden State Warriors are reportedly eyeing a rising young player in the trade market.

Monte Poole of NBC Sports said during a radio appearance on 95.7 The Game that the Warriors’ “No. 1 target” is now Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen.

95.7 The Game @957thegame👀👀@MontePooleNBCS via @SteinyGuru957 pic.twitter.com/emfqgtU0JO

Golden State is looking to add talent after Thompson chose to depart to the Dallas Mavericks via a sign-and-trade.

The Warriors would have to pay a hefty price if they want to land Markkanen, as the Jazz reportedly won’t be giving him up very easily.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Utah would only be willing to deal away Markkanen in exchange for a package similar to the one the New York Knicks sent to the Brooklyn Nets to acquire swingman Mikal Bridges. The Knicks sent five first-round picks and an unprotected pick swap in the blockbuster deal.

Markkanen has spent the last two seasons with the Jazz and emerged as a reliable No. 1 option. He earned his first All-Star appearance in 2023 and was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player that season after averaging a career-high 25.6 points. He appeared in 55 games this past season and averaged 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds.

The 27-year-old would provide the Warriors with a young piece who would fit well alongside star point guard Stephen Curry. Markkanen has shot over 39 percent from three-point range in three out of the last four seasons, so he would thrive in Golden State’s offense.

It won’t be easy, but it sounds like the Warriors are motivated to land Markkanen as they try to return to title contention next season.