Lauri Markkanen Trade Rumors: Jazz Eye Warriors' Moody, Kuminga, Podziemski, Picks

The Utah Jazz are requesting the "bulk" of the Golden State Warriors' best trade assets in a swap involving star forward Lauri Markkanen, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.

Charania reported that includes guards Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski, forward Jonathan Kuminga and draft picks, "which has been a non-starter thus far for Golden State."

Markkanen is the most attractive chip on the NBA trade market right now.

Joining Utah as the franchise entered a rebuild allowed him to occupy a major role on the floor, and he has thrived with the opportunity. In his two seasons with the Jazz, the 27-year-old has averaged 24.5 points and 8.4 rebounds while shooting 39.5 percent from three-point range.

The front office is clearly driving a hard bargain for Markkanen but probably has a price at which it is willing to concede.

The 7-footer is entering the final year of his contract, while the Jazz are still a few years away from meaningfully contending. Flipping him for talented young players and draft capital might be a smarter value play than signing him to a market-level extension.

Charania reported the Warriors "have been the most engaged team for Markkanen in recent weeks." The dilemma for general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. is whether acquiring the talented Finn is worth mortgaging what's left of the organization's future.

Building a championship winner around Stephen Curry is currently the overriding priority for Golden State. Effectively standing at a fork in the road, the team could've kept its Big Three of Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson together or acted pragmatically to create the strongest possible roster. It opted for the latter by sending Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-and-trade that netted Buddy Hield and Kyle Anderson.

There's no question the Warriors would be better in the short term with Markkanen in the frontcourt. A trade of this scale needs to significantly raise their ceiling, though, to justify the cost.

If Golden State can give itself a puncher's chance of reaching the NBA Finals within the next two or three years, then you have to seriously consider giving up Kuminga, Moody or Podziemski and maybe all three.

Markkanen probably isn't the kind of cornerstone who helps achieve that aim.