Any potential deal by the Warriors to acquire Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen would certainly involve Golden State trading away some of its young, up-and-coming players, but who would be the players being traded?
Mark Stein, NBA expert The contract status of Brandin Podziemski and Jonathan Kuminga is believed to have a major impact on which of them the Warriors are willing to include in any package sent to the Jazz in exchange for Markkanen.
Stein detailed his thoughts on the latest edition of “Stein line“, highlighting the fact that Kuminga is immediately eligible for an extension, while Podziemski has at least three more years of team control after being selected No. 19 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft.
“Aside from how much Golden State values the 21-year-old and his all-around game, Podziemski also has three seasons remaining on his roughly $13 million rookie contract as the No. 19 overall pick in June 2023,” Stein wrote. “Meanwhile, Kuminga is immediately eligible for a lucrative contract extension between now and Oct. 21 as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 draft class that Detroit has already taken.” [Pistons’] Cade Cunningham, Cleveland [Cavaliers’] Evan Mobley, Toronto [Raptors’] Scotty Barnes and Orlando [Magic’s] “Franz Wagner’s Land Expansions Worth Over $200 Million.”
Stein explained that given Podziemski’s immediate impact and ability to play effectively alongside star player Steph Curry, the 21-year-old guard remains highly sought after by Golden State’s top decision-makers.
Pudziszmaki’s new deal coincides with the massive contracts of Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins, giving the Warriors a real difference-maker for an incredible deal — one that’s more valuable than ever in light of the NBA’s new luxury tax penalties under the league’s collective bargaining agreement.
“Podzimski has quickly proven to be a high-level complement to Stephen Curry, and he won’t be eligible for a huge raise even after Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins’ current contracts expire in the summer of 2027,” Stein said. “That’s a major consideration for Golden State in the new NBA world of luxury tax aprons.”
Stein also reported that there is a “league-wide belief” that the Warriors would prefer to move Kuminga over Podziemski in any potential Markkanen deal, which is in line with the financial implications outlined above.
Podziemski wrapped up his second NBA Summer League campaign with a strong performance, giving Golden State officials more confidence that he can be a pivotal player for the Warriors now, and in the future.
While Kuminga has made great strides since helping Golden State win the NBA title in his first season, the huge salary he’s entitled to could ultimately be what influences the Warriors’ final decision when they decide to part ways with one of their young players in a deal for Markkanen.
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