3 takeaways from Marc Stein's latest report on Lauri Markkanen & the Jazz
By Matt John
2. Warriors discussions for Lauri Markkanen appear to be pretty much dead
It's been established beforehand that any deal for Markkanen would start with Podziemski. It's reasonable for the Warriors to be stubborn when it comes to keeping Podziemski after the promising rookie season, just as it's reasonable that the Jazz aren't entertaining any Markkanen offer from the Warriors unless Podziemski is included.
They've been at this standstill for weeks now, and with Markkanen's extend-and-trade deadline days away, the Warriors still not including him must mean they're losing hope on getting Markkanen. That could change with every passing hour, but the outlook doesn't look too promising.
3. The Jazz don't want more draft assets
The Jazz have plenty of draft assets in their arsenal. They basically own Minnesota's and Cleveland's future for the next several years. Plus, they have a potentially golden Lakers asset. Add that with their picks of their own and they have an ocean if draft picks.
So what are a few more going to do? There is some appeal in rolling that dice on what the Warriors' future will look like post-Stephen Curry. At the same time, sending them Markkanen also gives them a good pillar to build on when Curry retires. So while Markkanen's presence only makes those picks decrease in value with Curry there, they could have enough success that the Warriors could add more help after Curry ends his career.
Having too many draft assets can be a problem because there are only so many roster spots a team possesses. Teams can use that against the Jazz if they try to improve their players down the line because they'll ask for more than what they deserve.
Owning another team's future is nice, but it may not be worth it knowing that you already helped their future.