Insider reveals multiple factors that have gone into potential Lauri Markkanen trade between Jazz & Warriors

As it stands, Lauri Markkanen remains a member of the Utah Jazz. For a while now, he has been linked to the Golden State Warriors, but not much has changed. The Jazz aren't shopping Markkanen just because, and the Warriors are hesitant to give up the farm for Markkanen.

NBA Insider Marc Stein revealed the latest on both sides' positions on a potential Markkanen deal in a July 21 story.

Jazz's interest in Brandin Podziemski is why deal is still possible

While the Jazz's interest in Podziemski is nothing new, Stein revealed why it factors into a trade still being possible between the two sides.

"There is a belief in some corners of the league that Utah's interest in Golden State's Brandin Podziemski, in combination with future draft compensation that the Warriors could package with the All-Rookie first-team selection, is serious enough that it keeps alive the prospect of a Markkanen trade between now and Aug. 6. "

Podziemski will have a long and prosperous NBA career, and what really makes him such a tough asset to part with is how he cheap he is on a rookie contract. It's possible that the Warriors have already told the Jazz no on him, but if that's so, then the discussions would be over, so it's likely they're just playing hard to get.

Warriors willing to part with Jonathan Kuminga over Podziemski

Stein added that the Warriors may potentially be willing to include Jonathan Kuminga, but he added that they haven't technically done so yet.

"Yet there is also a growing belief leaguewide that the Warriors would be more willing to move Jonathan Kuminga in a Markkanen trade — or any big-swing deal — than Podziemski. To this point, however, it must be noted that Golden State's offers for Markkanen have centered around a package featuring Moses Moody and draft compensation without including Podziemski or Kuminga."

Again, this fuels the belief that they're playing hard to get with Podziemski. It's possible the Jazz may get him for Markkanen, but that may come with certain conditions from the Warriors' side.

Jazz's intentions with Lauri Markkanen are unclear

Though the Jazz are willing to trade Markkanen, Stein added that it's not entirely clear what their plans are with him.

"It remains difficult to get a clear read on Utah's ultimate intentions with Markkanen — namely to what degree the Jazz are indeed open to trading him before Aug. 6 or if they really prefer, as many teams suspect, to sign him to a long-term contract before actually accepting a down-the-road trade offer for him."

There have typically been misunderstandings when a player gets thrown into trade rumors. Because Markkanen has been linked to the Warriors, many wrongly assume that means the Jazz are trying to get rid of him, and they're not. Selling a young star to the highest bidder is not the same thing as shopping him.

If the Warriors don't want to play ball for Markkanen, the Jazz will happily keep him. Simple as that. The problem is. they'd go into the 2024-25 season with Kuminga projected as their second-best scorer, and that's a huge risk to take with Stephen Curry on the wrong side of 30.

Warriors believe they can extend Markkanen

Stein added that the Warriors still discussing a Markkanen trade signify that they believe they can keep him long-term.

"The Warriors' ongoing interest in Markkanen, furthermore, suggests they have confidence in their ability to sign the 7-foot Finn to a contract extension next summer should they ultimately persuade Utah to consummate a trade after weeks of discussion between the teams that began in conjunction with the June 26 draft."

Reading the tea leaves here, this confidence about keeping Markkanen long-term shows that they're serious about this. At this point, it's a staring contest. The Jazz want the Warriors' most valuable assets, and the Warriors want to make one last push with Steph.

The difference between the two is that if it doesn't go anywhere, the Jazz can live with keeping Markkanen. The Warriors may not be able to stomach another disastrous season without much star power to surround Steph.