The Warriors are back again with lofty dreams. Dub Nation has grown familiar with these pursuits, having watched the franchise explore several high-profile moves during recent offseasons and trade deadlines. LeBron James was one such target. Lauri Markkanen was another. With Bron settled in Philly, and Kristaps Porzingis unavailable, the Dubs once again find themselves in a familiar position: chasing a star.

 The timing is significant. Porzingis’ future with the franchise remains unclear, and the team is in dire need of an explosive move.

According to NBA insider Sean Deveney of Heavy, the Warriors could target Markkanen, a player they have pursued heavily in previous years. 

“Lauri Markkanen with the Jazz would be a more interesting case, and the Jazz would likely want two first-rounders for him. He is 29 and not quite on this team’s rebuilding timeline, but he remains a top big-man scorer, and has long had the trade interest of teams around the NBA–most notably the Warriors, but others, too,” Deveney wrote.

The Warriors had previously wanted to bring in Lauri Markkanen back in October 2024, in the offseason. They had offered up Moses Moody along with first and second-round picks, but Markkanen eventually signed a 4-year, $195.8 million contract extension with the Utah Jazz, per Spotrac.

And it’s not hard to see why the Warriors were so keen.

Markkanen offers a combination that is difficult to find in a player of his size. Pairing him with Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler would give Steve Kerr another scoring option and create additional room for the Warriors’ established stars to operate.

The interest also comes amid uncertainty surrounding Kristaps Porziņģis. The big man has been away from the team while dealing with an undisclosed medical condition. The Celtics earlier diagnosed him with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). And the latest update stated that the big man could even be considering retirement.

Moreover, with reports claiming that the Warriors have entered the “unexcused absence” territory, an IG post revealed that Porzingis is getting his tooth done in Spain. It adds another layer to an already difficult situation.

Above all, getting rid of Porzingis isn’t an easy task for the Warriors.

His contract carries $20 million in guaranteed money, and waiving him would leave that amount on the Dubs’ books as dead salary. More importantly, his contract could remain useful in a potential trade, provided the Warriors can construct a package that satisfies the league’s salary-matching requirements.

Or, the team could wait till end of the season and waive his contract. It will free up some space. The team is yet to announce a timeline for Porzingis’ return or any decision on his future with the Warriors, not how they would have liked to begin the season. The center has missed every game the Warriors have played this season so far.

Also, the Warriors are operating dangerously close to the second apron threshold. So, acquiring Markkanen’s $49 million makes the mathematics even more complicated. Porziņģis’ $20 million contract alone would not be enough to match that amount, meaning additional players or salary would have to enter the discussion.

How will the Warriors acquire Lauri Markkanen?

There is also the question of what Golden State can offer beyond contracts. The departure of Jonathan Kuminga has left the frontcourt considerably thinner. 

Draymond Green remains the veteran defensive anchor, while rookie Yaxel Lendeborg is among the younger options expected to contribute. Markkanen would address the lack of size and provide a different offensive dimension. But acquiring him would require the Warriors to part with valuable assets.

Brandin Podziemski’s reported five-year extension makes him a difficult piece to include in negotiations. Or maybe not. The team could push Moses Moody into the centre of trade discussions. 

However, Moody’s situation is not straightforward either. He is dealing with a serious patellar tendon injury, affecting the negotiation. Besides, his contract is worth $12.5 million, which is not even enough to accommodate Lauri.

Draft capital may ultimately become the Warriors’ strongest bargaining tool. 

After using its 2026 selection on Lendeborg, the franchise reportedly has six future first-round picks available through 2033. However, its 2030 selection carries conditional protection owed to Dallas. Consequently, the Warriors would have to structure any offer carefully.

It potentially has to combine available first-rounders with pick swaps rather than simply handing over every selection Utah requests.

For the Warriors, Markkanen represents more than another name on the trade market.

He could help address the frontcourt shortage while giving Curry another high-level offensive partner. But Porzingis’ unresolved situation, Moody’s injury, and the salary-matching requirements leave Golden State with several obstacles before it can make a serious offer.