Fifteen months ago, the Golden State Warriors had a chance to reshape their future. Instead, they passed on a trade for Utah Jazz All-Star Lauri Markkanen, and the decision was overdue.
Markkanen has become one of the league's most dominant scorers this season.
On Sunday, he scored 47 points against the Chicago Bulls in a thrilling double overtime game, his third 40-point game this year. Throughout the first month, he averaged a career-high 30.6 points per game and made 3.8 three-pointers, ranking fourth in scoring and fifth in three-pointers.
Only Stephen Curry and Grayson Allen have made more three-pointers. Markkanen is currently ranked 49th.
The Warriors' young core hasn't turned out as well as the team had hoped.
Two players Golden State declined to include in the Markkanen deal, Brandin Pozzimski and Jonathan Kuminga, have been moved to the bench. Steve Kerr turned to Will Richard and Moses Moody, citing a need for shooting and defensive reliability.
Management's hesitation has been documented well before this season. In August 2024, veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein wrote on his Substack that the Warriors were unwilling to include Podemski or Kuminga in any contract for the Finnish star, stating:
“[The Warriors are] Still unwilling to give up Brandin Podziemski in a trade for the 7-foot Finn. The Golden State Warriors have thus far pursued Markkanen but not included Podemski or Jonathan Kuminga in a trade package filled with future draft compensation. Clearly, no team has been able to meet Danny Ainge's asking price so far. “
ESPN's Anthony Slater says it was Draymond Green who suggested the Warriors front office avoid giving up young assets in favor of Markkanen.
“[Draymond] Green even told [Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy] and controlling shareholder Joe Lacob. [that summer] Don’t green light a trade for Lauri Markkanen, given the Utah Jazz’s demand for all draft picks and young players,” Slater wrote.
Draymond Green has also been vocal about his involvement. Behind the scenes.
“I am [Markkanen’s] Green told Slater. “But I think if you're going to do something this big, you better make sure this is action. You don't usually get those wins against Danny Ainge. I look at history.”
The decision is likely to haunt the Warriors, who are 9-7 this season.
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