NBA Trade Rumors: Warriors 'Didn't Try That Hard' to Land Lauri Markkanen from Jazz

The Golden State Warriors were one of the teams regularly linked to a potential trade with the Utah Jazz for big man Lauri Markkanen before he signed a five-year, $238 million extension.

But apparently, the Warriors didn't exactly go all-in to land him.

"They didn't try that hard though," ESPN's Tim MacMahon told Brian Windhorst during Thursday's Hoop Collective podcast (16:10 mark). "They had discussions, but [Brandin] Podziemski was completely off the table."

Windhorst added, however, that the Warriors had "legitimate conversations" about acquiring both Paul George and Markkanen in trades this offseason and "they offered stuff for them. Obviously it wasn't enough to get it done."

Because Markkanen can't be traded for six months after signing his extension—putting him beyond the Feb. 6 trade deadline for the 2024-25 campaign—he won't be traded this season. Any hope the Warriors may have of eventually acquiring him will have to wait until next summer.

The Warriors still have assets to trade as they look to build a contender around Stephen Curry. At present, a core of Curry, Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Podziemski, Andrew Wiggins, De'Anthony Melton, Buddy Hield and Kyle Anderson doesn't seem likely to be major players in the loaded Western Conference.

But the Dubs may have to wait until closer to the February deadline before they make any splashy moves.

As for Markkanen, he's happy to remain with the Jazz.

"They've all showed their belief in me, from the ownership to the front office to [head coach Will Hardy]," he told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. "It's a comfortable environment and those guys' résumés speak for themselves. I trust in the organization to help grow me as a person and a player, to build our team, and I'm ready to take on the challenge."