NBA Trade Rumors: Rivals Split on Lauri Markkanen Making Warriors 'a Real Contender'

The Golden State Warriors have remained persistent in their pursuit of Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen, but it sounds like many around the NBA aren't convinced that adding him would be a needle-mover.

ESPN's Zach Lowe reported on Thursday that there are dissenting opinions on how acquiring Markkanen would benefit the Warriors.

"When you ask rival executives and coaches whether that team would be a real contender, the responses are all over the place," Lowe stated. "I'm slightly skeptical, though I see the vision."

The Warriors are looking to add talent following the departure of longtime shooting guard Klay Thompson, who joined the Dallas Mavericks this offseason. After failing to acquire Paul George before he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State turned its attention to Markkanen.

Lowe added that while Markkanen would be a solid addition, the Warriors' window for contention is contingent upon multiple players stepping up to support stars Stephen Curry and Draymond Green as they continue to get older.

"The timeline could be tight too," Lowe stated. "That team winning two or three playoff series depends on Curry and Green retaining their current levels of play into their late 30s. [Andrew] Wiggins would have to catapult close to his 2022 level. Young guys would need to pop -- now. [De'Anthony] Melton's back would need to hold up."