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Trade season never really ends in the NBA. So, even though the 2025–26 campaign is barely underway, it’s never too early to start speculating about potential deals, especially for a team like the Golden State Warriors. One speculative idea, floated by Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey, has the Warriors targeting Lauri Markkanen as their “dream” addition. Bailey suggested that while the math on a deal might be tricky, Markkanen could give Golden State the kind of offensive punch once provided by Klay Thompson, while adding rebounding, size, and rim-finishing ability. He also noted that depth could become a concern unless a major piece like Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler were included, but pairing Stephen Curry with the Finnish forward could create one of the league’s most dynamic offenses. Warriors’ Past Pursuit of Markkanen The Warriors’ interest in Markkanen isn’t new. The team has reportedly pursued the Finnish All-Star multiple times over the past two years. According to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, the Utah Jazz are now “very open” to moving Markkanen, a stark contrast to two summers ago, when they declined Golden State’s offer. “Utah passed on an offer from Golden State for Markkanen in the summer of 2024, believing a stronger market would materialize,” Mannix reported. “It didn’t, and right now there is a belief that the Jazz are very open for business on their 28-year-old ex-All-Star.” NBA insider Marc Stein later confirmed that Golden State had offered multiple first-round picks for Markkanen, but refused to include Jonathan Kuminga or Brandin Podziemski. “Golden State, to date, had pursued Markkanen without including Podziemski or Jonathan Kuminga in trade packages laden with future draft compensation,” Stein reported. “Obviously no team, to this point, has met [Jazz CEO] Danny Ainge’s asking price.” Podziemski himself even confirmed the trade talks, telling ESPN’s Anthony Slater that ownership made it clear he was a priority. “He [Joe Lacob] told me, ‘You don’t have anything to worry about. You’re a priority here,’” Podziemski said. “I appreciate that… They could keep me in the dark until a trade is done. But Mike and Joe were transparent from the draft to the Paul George situation to the Markkanen situation.” Kuminga’s Breakout Could Change the Math A lot has changed since those negotiations. The Warriors entered the season expecting to shop Kuminga after January 15, when he becomes trade-eligible, according to Jake Fischer. But after a strong start, those plans may be shifting. The 23-year-old forward is thriving in Steve Kerr’s starting lineup and showing the poise and consistency Golden State had long hoped for. General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. recently reflected on the offseason tension, saying the organization chose patience over quick fixes. “There are times where, frankly, the best thing for a young player is to get to a new situation. I think we resisted that this summer,” Dunleavy told NBC Sports Bay Area. “JK is thriving. He’s comfortable out there. He’s confident. He’s got off to a really good start, and we’re going to let this thing go.” If Kuminga continues to develop into the two-way force the Warriors envisioned, the front office could hesitate to include him in any future Markkanen deal, even for a player of the Finnish star’s caliber. Markkanen’s Hot Start With Utah Meanwhile, Markkanen has looked better than ever to open the season. The 7-footer recently dropped 51 points in a 138–134 overtime win over the Phoenix Suns, becoming the first Jazz player to top 50 since Karl Malone in 1998, per the NBA. He shot 14-for-32 from the field, made six threes, and went a perfect 17-for-17 from the line while grabbing 14 rebounds in 45 minutes. “The game is slower now,” Markkanen said afterward. “You get hungrier as it happens, so hopefully it’s not the last.” That kind of production, and Markkanen’s combination of size, shooting, and mentality, explains why he’s long been a dream target for Golden State’s front office. The Warriors’ Bottom Line Markkanen’s price remains steep, and Golden State’s roster already loaded with new faces and moving parts. But if the Warriors continue to straddle the line between contention and transition, the temptation to add a 7-foot floor-spacing All-Star could resurface quickly. For now, Kuminga’s breakout may have paused those conversations, but if trade season has taught us anything, it’s that nothing stays quiet for long in the Bay.
