A potential trade for the Warriors to acquire Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen would certainly involve Golden State parting ways with some of its up-and-coming young core, but which players would be moved?
NBA insider Marc Stein believes the respective contract situations of Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga could play a major role in which players the Warriors include in any deal they send to the Jazz for Markkanen.
Stein detailed his thinking in the latest edition of “The Stein Line,” emphasizing that while Kuminga is immediately eligible for a contract extension, Podziemski has control of the team for at least three more years as the 19th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
“In addition to Golden State’s appreciation for the 21-year-old and his all-around game, Podziemski is the 19th overall pick in June 2023 and has three seasons remaining on his rookie contract worth nearly $13 million,” Stein wrote. “Kuminga, meanwhile, was already drafted by Detroit with the seventh overall pick out of the 2021 draft class and is eligible for a lucrative contract extension between now and Oct. 21.” [Pistons’] Cade Cunningham, Cleveland [Cavaliers’] Evan Mobley, Toronto [Raptors’] Scotty Barnes and Orlando [Magic’s] The Franz Wagner estate expansion is worth well over $200 million.”
Stein further explained that the 21-year-old guard remains highly sought after by Golden State’s top decision-makers, given Podziemski’s immediate impact and ability to play efficiently alongside the team’s main man, Stephen Curry.
Poziesmukhi’s rookie contract, signed at the same time as big-money contracts for Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins, gives the Warriors a true differentiator at an incredible bargain price — one that’s more valuable than ever given the NBA’s new luxury tax penalties under the league’s collective bargaining agreement.
“Podziemski has quickly proven himself to be a high-level complement to the face of the team in Stephen Curry. Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins won’t be eligible for a significant raise until their current contracts expire in the summer of 2027,” Stein said. “That’s an important consideration for Golden State in the new world of the NBA luxury tax apron.”
Stein also reported that there is “confidence across the league” that the Warriors would prefer to move Kuminga over Podziemski if a Markkanen trade were to come to fruition, which is consistent with the financial implications outlined above.
Podziemski finished his second NBA Summer League with two strong performances, giving Golden State brass even more confidence that he can be a pivotal player for the Warriors not just now but in the future.
Kuminga has improved considerably since his first season helping Golden State win an NBA title, but the huge salary he would be eligible for could influence the Warriors’ ultimate decision as to whether to give up one of their prized young players to acquire Markkanen.
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