At this point in the NBA summer, player movement around the league has slowed significantly, with the majority of potential game changers in free agency re-signing with current teams or agreeing to contracts to play elsewhere next season.
Even though free agency is nearly over, with many notable players signing new contracts, there’s still a chance that some blockbuster trades will take place before the start of the 2024-25 NBA season, with one big-name player currently on the trade block and multiple teams vying for him this summer.
Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz has been mentioned multiple times in recent weeks as a possible trade candidate, with the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs reportedly competing for his services.
The Warriors are trying to recover from losing Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks while still aiming for at least one more championship run with Stephen Curry at the helm, while the Spurs are looking for another star to join Chris Paul and Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio.
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Spurs are willing to trade with several first-round selections as well as Keldon Jackson, making them the frontrunner to complete a deal through Legion Hoops.
“The Spurs have shown a willingness to part with multiple first-round picks, as well as Keldon Johnson, in a potential deal for Lauri Markkanen,” Siegel told reporters.
Unless another team makes an offer that the Jazz cannot refuse, the Markkanen sweepstakes could be determined between the Warriors and the Spurs.
Markkanen’s signing would hasten the Spurs’ rebuilding process around Wembanyama, whereas Golden State could compete for a championship or significantly boost their chances if they can bring him in to play with Curry and Draymond Green.
Leave a Reply