Lauri Markkanen Trade Rumors: Warriors More Willing to Deal Kuminga Than Podziemski

The Golden State Warriors are seemingly high up on second-year guard Brandin Podziemski.

Per NBA insider Marc Stein, the Warriors are more willing to deal forward Jonathan Kuminga than Podziemski—even if it's for a star like Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen.

"There is also a growing belief leaguewide that the Warriors would be more willing to move Jonathan Kuminga in a Markkanen trade — or any big-swing deal — than Podziemski," Stein wrote. "To this point, however, it must be noted that Golden State's offers for Markkanen have centered around a package featuring Moses Moody and draft compensation without including Podziemski or Kuminga."

The Warriors' high valuation of Podziemski is nothing new. The Athletic's Anthony Slater recently reported that Golden State doesn't want to trade Podziemski and that he is "beloved organizationally." Slater also reported earlier this week that the Warriors value Podziemski more than outside teams seem to.

"From the Warriors' side, his internal value, which appears to supersede the external reputation, can be spelled out through some of his rookie numbers," Slater wrote.

Golden State's love for Podziemski doesn't come as much of a surprise considering what all he gave the team as a rookie. He averaged 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists in just 26.6 minutes per game while coming off the bench for Klay Thompson, who is now with the Dallas Mavericks.

Assuming Podziemski takes over a starting role, his numbers should improve as he looks to be Step Curry's new wingman.

Another factor in why the Warriors are interested in keeping Podziemski around is because of his contract. The 21-year-old will be on his rookie contract until 2027, meaning he should be one of the better value players in the league if he continues developing the way Golden State hopes he will.

If the Jazz are willing to part with Markkanen, which isn't clear at this point, the Warriors will likely look to bring him to Golden State in a deal that doesn't involve Podziemski.