When the date turns August 6th, Utah Jazz power forward Lauri Markkanen becomes eligible for a contract extension. However, while the franchise is tempted to retain the player, complications regarding the CBA guidelines complicate the player. Therefore, with time being short, the Jazz is finalizing a beneficial trade deal with the Stephen Curry-led Golden State Warriors. Unfortunately, an obstacle regarding just one player prevents things from now on.

According to renowned NBA reporter Shams Charania, the Warriors have provided a final offer to the 27-year-old player. In exchange for taking in Markkanen, they would send options with several first-round picks, pick swaps, and second-rounders to the Jazz. Unfortunately, they wouldn’t budge to part ways with Brandin Podziemski, who remains a top prospect.

It was exactly three weeks ago today when Shams Charania had claimed that “I don’t think they want to move Lauri Markkanen, but if the Golden State Warriors put in Brandin Podziemski for what I’m told, three first-round picks, three-four unprotected pick swaps…..” The situation has become real now, and things have become complicated due to Podziemski refusing to trade.

If the Warriors-Jazz deal falls through, the Jazz would have to keep the player. According to reports, Markkanen would receive a five-year, $200 million contract in this scenario. Not only would the contract keep him with the franchise till 2029, but he would also be granted the highest-paying contract in Utah Jazz history and the highest for any European player playing in the league. That’s more than Karl Malone and John Stockton to put things into perspective.

Significantly, Utah can give Markkanen his maximum salary of $42.2 million this upcoming season by using $24.13 million of that cap space to add to his current $18 million salary. Unfortunately, retaining Markkanen at such a high contract would bring one issue.

If the Utah Jazz retains the player now, they won’t be able to trade him away until the conclusion of the next season. This is because, according to the rules listed under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Markkanen can’t be traded for six months after signing the extension.

Ironically, six months from now, February 6, 2025, would be the trade deadline! By missing that, the Jazz will have to keep the player on. While the Jazz reportedly have over $30 million to offer within the salary cap space, the five-year, $200 million limit would take them over the Luxury Tax Limit, causing them to incur penalties. While four top championship-contending teams are set to face a similar issue, the Jazz have been a “lottery team” for over two years. Therefore, the risk of incurring penalties may not just be worth it!

Getting Brandin Podziemski in exchange for Markkanen has been a priority for the Jazz. Furthermore, with Klay Thompson no longer with the Warriors, Shams Charania believes that Stephen Curry and Co. have been “the most engaged team for Markkanen.” However, with the door looking to close on acquiring Markkanen now, the Warriors already seem to have a backup plan in place.

The Golden State Warriors will explore a ‘Smaller-Scale’ deal if Lauri Markkanen cannot be acquired

While Shams Charania highlighted that the Jazz won’t part ways with Lauri Markkanen without Brandin Podziemski, he also stated that losing out on the deal won’t send the Warriors management into an “immediate panic.” After all, the current roster already includes 14 players, who are under contract to represent the Warriors next season. However, if they are still insistent on bringing in some new blood, the reporter feels it can be expected for the franchise to explore “smaller-scale deals more actively than is typical” in the coming weeks.

Within a few hours of the update, a name has already popped up on the potential list: Killian Tillie. According to the Spokesman-Review, both the Warriors and the Philadelphia 76ers are showing “strong interest” in bringing the player on their side. Having played for the Memphis Grizzles from 2020 to 2022, Tillie’s last contract signed with the franchise would have paid him $3.8 million over two years. If that isn’t “smaller-scale”, then what is?

With time still remaining, the Warriors may yet try for a last bid at Lauri Markkanen. However, if the same doesn’t occur, an extension with the Jazz would be almost imminent.

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger

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