Report: Podz is Jazz’s focus in Markkanen trade talks with Warriors originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
The Utah Jazz and basketball operations CEO Danny Ainge have set their Takes aim at Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski in any potential trade for Striker Lauri MarkkanenShams Charania of The Athletic reported Monday night on SiriusXM NBA Radio.
“I do not think [the Jazz] I want to move Lauri Markkanen,” Charania told hosts Rob Perez, Amin Elhassan and during his NBA Summer League stint in Las Vegas. “But if the Golden State Warriors land a Brandin Podziemski and from what I’m told, three first-round picks, three or four unprotected pick trades, three or four second-round picks…”
At this point, one of the hosts mentioned escape wing Jonathan Kuminga as a potential name in commercial negotiations.
“Kuminga is a name, but I think from what I’ve been told, the Jazz are more focused on Brandin Podziemski and his inclusion in the deal,” Charania said. “All the picks are in the deal. And I think from the Warriors’ perspective, it’s Podziemski, but it’s not all the picks and if it’s all the picks, then there won’t be a Podziemski.”
Charania’s latest report comes about 12 hours after he reported, citing league sources, that the Jazz’s asking price for Markkanen – Podziemski, Kuminga, guard Moses Moody and draft capital – was a “non-starter” for the Warriors.
The Warriors have allegedly been stalking Markkanenthe NBA’s most improved player in 2022-23, as of July 1, but it appears they’re stuck with the Jazz.
“And so this may be a back and forth, but both sides are entrenched right now where they are, saying nothing is going to change,” Charania said. “So only time will tell. But I think the Jazz are very comfortable extending Lauri Markkanen.”
Markkanen, 27, becomes eligible for extension on Aug. 6.
The Warriors believe a lot in Podziemski’s potential and Kuminga, making it understandable that they would remain firm in not including them in a potential Markkanen trade.
