The status of Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen remains the most consequential domino yet to fall this summer. At least, that's how it ranks from the Warriors' perspective after coming up short on Paul George.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, the Warriors have been the "most engaged" team in trade talks for Markkanen.
Charania reports that the two sides have "discussed a proposal around Moses Moody, multiple first-round picks, multiple pick swaps and multiple second-round picks."
Utah's response, however, explains where things stand. It is Danny Ainge, after all:
"The Jazz, however, have asked for the bulk of young talent and capital the Warriors possess, including Moody, Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski, along with picks, which has been a non-starter thus far for Golden State, league sources said."
The Warriors' goal has been to compete, and it's easy to understand why the first package, which involves shipping off an abundance of non-tangible assets, is appealing to them. From the Jazz's perspective, and the always greedy Ainge, the Warriors' young, promising players would kick-start a rebuild.
Asking for both young players and picks, though, for Markkanen, who is more of a Hall of Very Good type of player than a franchise lynchpin, explains where the Warriors have not pulled the trigger on a deal.
