NBA executive thinks Warriors can move from Markkanen to Valančiūnas originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The Warriors could turn their interest to another key player if their dream deal for Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz falls through.
And with things moving so slowly, Golden State may have no choice.
An unnamed NBA executive, speaking to Heavy.com’s Sean Deveney on Friday, believes the Warriors could approach Washington Wizards center Jonas Valančiūnas if Markkanen proves unfeasible.
“The Knicks, we’ll see how their center spot develops. The Warriors [will be interested]“If the Markkanen case doesn’t work out,” the director told Deveney.
“The Lakers have been linked most often with Valanciunas, but L.A. has also been reluctant to give up any of its tradable draft picks,” Deveney wrote. “If and when Valanciunas hits the market, there will likely be plenty of competition.”
During his final season, Valančiūnas averaged 12.2 points on 55.9 percent shooting percentage, with 8.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 23.5 minutes per game.
One factor that could appeal to Golden State is that the 13-year veteran started all 82 games during the 2023-24 NBA season and 79 the season before that.
Valanciunas signed a three-year, $30 million contract with Washington this offseason. Many, including Deveny and the executive, believe the Wizards and the big man reached the deal with the expectation that a deal with a contender would happen before the February 6 NBA trade deadline.
Of course, the Warriors would have to give to receive. Much like the failed pursuit of Paul George and the current pursuit of Markkanen, Golden State would be asked to give up a young piece to land one of its two big men.
“Because of his clearly team-friendly contract, Valančiūnas can be acquired by the Warriors for a reasonable price,” Deveney stressed. “A package of [Kevon] Looney and Moses Moody could be in the cards, but it’s likely the Wizards will also want a draft pick.
“Moody is only 22, but given his two-way potential, he would be one of the best players the Wizards could get for Valančiūnas. The Warriors could take a second-round or protected first-round pick if they feel they have to beat all the offers.
The Warriors still have options, but time is running out.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks and Tim MacMahon, Markkanen can sign a four-year, $232 million contract extension with the Jazz at any time. If the big man does so after August 6, he won’t be tradeable until after the 2024-25 season.
Reports indicate that Markkanen is also likely to sign after August 6, prompting the Warriors to sign Valančiūnas.
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