The Golden State Warriors are bracing for a transformative offseason as they navigate significant changes following the departure of one-half of the famed "Splash Brothers." In an effort to remain competitive, the team has already made bold moves and continues to explore high-profile acquisitions.
Key Additions and Potential Trades
One of the most notable moves has been the signing of De'Anthony Melton to a one-year, $12.8 million contract. Known for his defensive prowess, Melton adds a valuable layer of depth to the Warriors' backcourt, a move seen as essential following recent roster changes.
Additionally, the Warriors are reportedly bringing in forward Kyle Anderson via a sign-and-trade. Anderson's versatility and experience could prove to be a key component in the Warriors' evolving lineup. The team is also considering the addition of sharpshooter Buddy Hield through another sign-and-trade mechanism, signaling their intent to bolster their perimeter scoring. At 31 years old, Hield’s ability to knock down three-pointers could be a crucial asset.
However, the most ambitious target on the Warriors' radar is Lauri Markkanen, a 27-year-old forward from the Utah Jazz who made the All-Star Game in 2023. Over the past two seasons, Markkanen has averaged an impressive 24.5 points with a 63.6% true shooting percentage and hit 41.4% of his catch-and-shoot threes last season. His performance has naturally drawn significant interest from multiple teams, including the San Antonio Spurs, Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New Orleans Pelicans.
The High Cost of Acquiring Markkanen
Acquiring Lauri Markkanen is expected to be an expensive endeavor. The Utah Jazz reportedly demand a trade package similar to what the New York Knicks offered for Mikal Bridges, which involved five first-round picks, four of which were unprotected, an unprotected pick swap, and a second-rounder. "Utah's not sure it wants to trade him, but they have to listen. They've been listening. And a lot of the teams who lost out on Mikal Bridges from Brooklyn have transferred over to trying to see if they can land Lauri Markkanen out of Utah. Golden State is one of those teams," said Adrian Wojnarowski.
Chris Haynes echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the high stakes involved: "They are trying to do whatever they can to get into the fold, but it's going to be a costly price to get Lauri. The Utah Jazz, they don't necessarily want to trade Lauri, but they will for the right price tag."
Given Markkanen’s significant talent and current market value, which is considered below market at $18 million for his final year, it's easy to see why the Jazz might hesitate to let him go. The team has the cap space to increase Markkanen's 2023-24 salary to $42.3 million and can potentially offer an extension worth up to $202 million over four years. This positions Utah with considerable leverage in trade discussions.
Other Teams in the Pursuit
While the Warriors are aggressively pursuing Markkanen, they face stiff competition from other NBA franchises. The Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, and San Antonio Spurs have all shown interest. Yet, the high cost may deter some suitors. The Houston Rockets have already bowed out of the race, with journalist Kelly Iko confirming that they are not pursuing Markkanen because they believe the price is "exorbitant."
Potential Departures
On the flip side, the Warriors are also considering some notable departures. Andrew Wiggins is reportedly on the trading block, a move that could open additional cap space and bring in new assets that fit the team’s evolving strategy. Additionally, veteran players like Klay Thompson, now 34, and Chris Paul, 39, add an extra layer of complexity to the Warriors’ long-term plans.
As the Warriors navigate these changes, they appear committed to maintaining their competitiveness in a Western Conference that shows no signs of slowing down. It’s clear that any successful acquisition of a high-profile player like Lauri Markkanen will come with a hefty price tag. Whether the Warriors are willing to meet those demands remains to be seen, but their aggressiveness in the trade market indicates that they are leaving no stone unturned.