NBA exec believes Warriors could move from Markkanen to Valančiūnas originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
The Warriors could direct their interest to another big man if their dream deal to Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz does not materialize.
And given how slowly things are moving forward, Golden State may not have a choice.
An anonymous NBA executive, in speaking with Sean Deveney of Heavy.com Friday, believes the Warriors could pursue Washington Wizards center Jonas Valančiūnas if Markkanen is unreachable.
“The Knicks, we’ll see how their center position develops. The Warriors [will be interested]if the Markkanen thing doesn’t work out,” the executive told Deveney.
“O Lakers have been connected more often with Valančiūnas, but LA has also been reluctant to give up any of its tradeable draft picks,” Deveney wrote. “If and when Valančiūnas comes to market, there will be ample competition.”
In his last campaign, Valančiūnas averaged 12.2 points on 55.9 percent shooting with 8.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 23.5 minutes per game.
One factor that could attract Golden State is the 13-year veteran, who started all 82 games during the 2023-24 NBA season and 79 the season before.
Valančiūnas signed a three-year, $30 million contract with Washington this offseason. Many, including Deveny and the executive, believe the Wizards and the big man reached the deal expecting a trade with a competitor to occur before the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline.
Of course, the Warriors would have to give in order to receive. Much like Paul George’s failed pursuit and Markkanen’s current one, Golden State would be asked to give up a youngster to land any of the bigs.
“Because of his decidedly team-friendly contract, Valančiūnas can be acquired at a reasonable price for the Warriors,” highlighted Deveney. “A package of [Kevon] Looney and Moses Moody could work out a deal, although it’s likely the Wizards also want a draft pick.
“Moody is just 22 years old and, given his two-way potential, would be among the best players the Wizards would offer for Valančiūnas. The Warriors could include a second-rounder or a protected first-rounder if they felt they needed to beat every offer.
The Warriors have options, but time is running out.
Markkanen could sign a four-year, $232 million contract extension with the Jazz at any time, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks and Tim MacMahonand if the big man does so after August 6, he will become ineligible to be traded until after the 2024-25 season.
Markkanen allegedly will probably sign after August 6th toopreparing the Warriors to potentially pursue Valančiūnas.
