If the Warriors are serious about acquiring Lauri Markkanen from the Jazz, the franchise will have to give up either Brandin Podziemski or Jonathan Kuminga.
There is a “growing belief leaguewide” that the Warriors are more willing to move Kuminga than Podziemski, longtime NBA insider Marc Stein said in his Substack.
He also went on to share his thoughts about each of the young star’s current contracts.
“Beyond how highly Golden State rates the 21-year-old and his all-around game, Podziemski also has three seasons left on his rookie contract worth nearly $13 million as the No. 19 overall pick in June 2023,” Stein wrote. “Kuminga, meanwhile, is immediately eligible for a lucrative contract extension between now and Oct. 21 as the No. 7 overall pick from a 2021 draft class that has already seen Detroit [Pistons’] Cade Cunningham, Cleveland [Cavaliers’] Evan Mobley, Toronto [Raptors’] Scottie Barnes and Orlando [Magic’s] Franz Wagner land extensions that far exceed $200 million.”
Podziemski’s contract also runs concurrently with the massive contracts of Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins, Stein says.
Plus, his ability to slot in beside Steph Curry means he is a complete asset to the team.
“Podziemski has quickly proven to be a high-level complement to face of the franchise Stephen Curry and isn’t eligible for a massive raise until after the current contracts held by Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins expire in the summer of 2027,” Stein said. “That’s a key consideration for Golden State in the NBA’s new world of luxury tax aprons.”
“Podz” has made quite an impact on the Golden State franchise in his short time there and is “beloved organizationally,” according to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater.
In saying that, it was reported that the Warriors weren’t willing to include Kuminga in trade talks for Paul George in recent months, so they clearly value the young talent.
It looks as though the Warriors may have to choose between winning now or giving up some of their rising young assets in order to succeed.
Because it’s unlikely they’ll be able to do both.
