Warriors remain interested in Lauri Markkanen

Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller welcomed The Athletic insider Shams Charania, with some astonishing revelations. While Jazz insider Tony negated any trade possibilities for Markkanen, Mike contradicted the same, when he said, “I don’t think Golden State can be done. I think if you’re really serious about winning, they have to make a big move.” As Miller expressed his flow of thoughts, Shams barged in between to add, “They are trying to get Lauri Markkanen,” balancing the possibility. However, Ja Morant’s agent quietly whispered to Shams just a moment later, “I think they’re going.” It was a shocker to The Athletic insider, as well, since he asked Mike Miller again to ensure, “You think they’re going?” to which Mike nodded in affirmation. As the chat proceeded, Charania asked him for safety if that was a piece of inside news. However, Mike immediately turned things around, further saying, “He can’t stop working,” addressing Shams Charania’s subtle observation on The OGs. -via Essentially Sports / August 1, 2024

Later in his conversation with Checketts, Jones stressed that he doesn’t believe a Markkanen trade is likely to happen this offseason. Asked to rate the odds of a deal on a scale from one to 10, Jones said he’d “probably put it at a two” for the time being. “I think we’re trending toward the Jazz not trading Lauri,” he said. “I don’t think that there’s a package out there that they’re overly interested in.” -via Hoops Rumors / July 30, 2024

Tony Jones ( @Tjonesonthenba ) on ESPN700 on when Lauri will sign his extension: “I would expect him to sign on Aug. 7th, or after Aug 6th. Lauri doesn’t want to be traded so… I expect him to do it after Aug 6th so there’s no trade talk this year” “I don’t even think him signing on Aug 6th is even an option. We’re almost 100% trending towards him signing on Aug 7th.” “Lauri has really taken to Utah. His family has taken to Utah. Obviously the Jazz can trade him between now and Aug 6th, and Lauri knows that, but Lauri has forged a really close relationship to Will Hardy. And Will has really found a way to unlock his career” “And Lauri really recognizes that and appreciates that, and wants to be a part of the rebuild.” “From the Jazz perspective… Lauri is 27. His game is not predicated on athleticism… His game should age well. Meaning, the Jazz are fully confident that Lauri will still be this version of Lauri, or very close to it, the next time the Jazz are, in fact, good.” -via x.com / July 30, 2024