NBA Rumors: Warriors to 'Explore Smaller-Scale' Contracts After Markkanen Trade Talks

With a trade for Utah Jazz star forward Lauri Markkanen appearing less likely, the Golden State Warriors are reportedly prepared to pivot.

According to Shams Charania, Tony Jones and Anthony Slater of The Athletic, losing out on Markkanen "doesn't mean an immediate panic." The Warriors are now "expected to explore smaller-scale deals more actively than is typical in August and September," they added.

Markkanen was one of the most coveted trade candidates this offseason, but Charania, Jones and Slater reported that he and the Jazz "are expected to agree to a massive, long-term contract extension." By signing the deal on Wednesday or later, the 27-year-old will not be eligible to be traded for the entirety of the 2024-25 season.

In addition to the Warriors, Markkanen also reportedly drew trade interest from the Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs. However, Golden State "made the most aggressive offer, centered around Moses Moody, multiple first-round picks, pick swaps and second-rounders," according to Charania, Jones and Slater.

Unfortunately, trade discussions between the Warriors and Jazz "were most alive in early July but became sporadic in recent weeks." Golden State reportedly has been "resigned that a Markkanen long-term extension in Utah is a foregone conclusion."

Still, the Warriors reportedly "feel comfortable entering training camp and the regular season as currently constructed."

Golden State is in control of all but one of its future first-round picks and has a young crop of talent that includes Moody, Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga and Trayce Jackson-Davis. That gives the franchise flexibility to be aggressive in its hopes of adding stars next to Stephen Curry and Draymond Green at the trade deadline this season.