NBA Rumors: Warriors Don't Feel 'Pressure' to Make Trade After Lauri Markkanen Talks

The Golden State Warriors are reportedly willing to stand pat if no blockbuster trades arise before the start of the 2024-25 season.

Kendra Andrews of ESPN reported the front office feels no "overwhelming pressure" to make a trade as rumors continue to swirl regarding the Warriors' interest in Lauri Markkanen. Golden State had been linked to the Utah Jazz star for several weeks, but he is expected to remain in Utah on a "massive, long-term contract extension," per The Athletic's Shams Charania, Tony Jones and Anthony Slater.

The extension will most likely include a renegotiation of Markkanen's current contract using the Jazz's available cap space. That would allow them to give Markkanen a raise from his $18 million salary for the 2024-25 season and keep him below the max he could have signed as a free agent next summer over the subsequent seasons in the extension.

Should Markkanen agree to a new deal, he will not be eligible to be traded during the 2024-25 season. Had the extension been inked by Aug. 6, the Jazz would have been able to trade Markkanen at the deadline.

The Warriors have already undergone a massive roster overhaul this offseason. They lost franchise stalwart Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks in free agency, waived future Hall of Famer Chris Paul in a cap-related move and signed De'Anthony Melton, Kyle Anderson and Buddy Hield in free agency.

None of those moves will alter the Warriors' championship trajectory. They are almost certainly locked into the back half of the Western Conference playoff standings, and even a trade for Markkanen was unlikely to land Stephen Curry his fifth ring.

The Warriors are a team in an awkward middle ground without much hope for an ascent for the remainder of Curry's career. Their best-case scenario may be Jonathan Kuminga breaking out in an expanded role.