Report: Warriors most engaged team for Markkanen

The Golden State Warriors have been the most engaged team in attempting to acquire Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen, sources told The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

The Warriors have reportedly proposed a framework around wing Moses Moody, multiple first-round picks, pick swaps, and second-round picks for the Finnish forward. The Jazz have countered with a deal involving the majority of Golden State’s prospects and draft capital, including Moody, guard Brandin Podziemski, and forward Jonathan Kuminga – which the Warriors aren’t willing to do so far, per Charania.

The Warriors are reportedly among a group of teams, including the San Antonio Spurs, Sacramento Kings, and Miami Heat, interested in trading for the one-time All-Star.

Markkanen, 27, has one year left on his contract worth $18 million and is slated to be the top free agent next offseason. The former NBA Most Improved Player holds career averages of 18.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists.

The Jazz could simultaneously renegotiate and extend his deal, giving him a pay raise for the upcoming season on Aug. 6.

Golden State is between eras after agreeing to deal Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks in a six-team trade. The Warriors got back sharpshooter Buddy Hield and forward Kyle Anderson while also signing wing De’Anthony Melton to a one-year deal.

Despite finishing 46-36 last season, Golden State was knocked out of the play-in tournament by the Sacramento Kings.