Golden State Warriors mock trade: Can Dubs add Lauri Markkanen?

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen has been one of the most widely discussed players in trade rumors this week. While the Jazz have reportedly shown a hesitancy to trade the 2023 Most Improved Player, Adrian Wojnarowski has reported that teams are aggressively pursuing "The Finnisher" on the trade market. At the same time, reports have continued to circulate regarding Warriors star Klay Thompson.

Last season, Thompson had indicated that he would be willing to re-sign with the team on a reduced contract with a reduced role. Now, reports have indicated that Thompson is preparing to test the open market, with teams like the Dallas Mavericks showing interest in the four-time NBA champ.

In addition, reports have tied various high-profile players to the Warriors, including Paul George, and now Markkanen. With that in mind, many fans are wondering whether Golden State can put together a trade package for the Jazz forward.

Markkanen is entering the final year of his contract and is set to make $18 million next season. The Warriors would have to come close to matching his salary in the trade. The team would have to come within 125% of his contract value, plus $100,000.

According to general manager Mike Dunleavy, the Warriors are willing to trade young players if it's for the right player. With that in mind, Bleacher Report has suggested the Warriors send Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski and two first-round picks to Utah in exchange for Markkanen.

Will the Utah Jazz accept a trade for Lauri Markkanen?

The big question, of course, is whether or not the Utah Jazz will accept a trade for Lauri Markkanen. While teams are prepared to make an aggressive push for the All-Star, re-signing The Finnisher is high on Utah's to-do list this summer.

The aforementioned Kuminga-Moody-Podziemski trade would cut the Warriors' depth down significantly. For that reason, the team may be hesitant to accept such a deal, especially since it includes two first-round picks.

To appease the Jazz, the Warriors would likely have to cut one, or both, of the outgoing draft picks. Even then, with Thompson potentially on his way out, the Warriors may be unwilling to part ways with Podziemski given that Markkanen only has one year left on his contract.

It seems the most likely scenario would be another team making a trade for Markkanen, unless Golden State were to execute a sign-and-trade.

According to the latest odds from Bovada, if Markkanen were to leave Utah, San Antonio is the front-runner to land him. Whether or not a deal comes to fruition, however, only time will tell.