Rival helps Warriors realise Markkanen dream in proposed 3-team deal

The Golden State Warriors’ hopes of landing Lauri Markkanen are uncertain, with little indication that a trade with the Utah Jazz is in the works.

There was a slight sense of pessimism about the Warriors’ chances of trading Markkanen on Friday. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst revealed on the Hoop Collective podcast his belief that a trade would have already happened if it were to happen, while Ramona Shelburne (also of ESPN) told 95.7 The Game’s Willard and Dibs that she thinks there’s a 20% chance the 2023 All-Star ends up being a Golden State player, and a 40% chance he’s traded overall.

The Warriors still have time to do something before Aug. 6, when Markkanen becomes eligible for an extension. A new deal with the Jazz would keep Markkanen off the market until at least Feb. 6, or until the next offseason if the seven-footer signs on Aug. 7 or later.

Here’s what we know: Utah wants to acquire impressive young guard Brandin Podziemski, while Golden State’s current offering only consists of Moses Moody and a number of future draft prospects.

If the Warriors want to acquire Markkanen without giving up Podziemski, they’ll have to get creative over the next 10 days or so. That could mean bringing in a third team to broker a deal between Golden State and Utah.

Such a deal was proposed by Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus on Friday, with the Sacramento Kings becoming the third team to make a Markkanen trade. Let’s take a look at the blockbuster move and whether it would be a good outcome for the Warriors: