The clock’s ticking for the Golden State Warriors. The front office has one last option to stack a strong roster around aging Stephen Curry. With Klay Thompson out of the side, the Dubs are on the hunt to replace his void with a potential star. While the team failed to create an impact in the free agency market, Utah Jazz‘s Lauri Markkanen looks like the only option left. But things aren’t as easy as they sound here, as Anthony Slater revealed the curious case of the Finnish player’s “big day”.

Markkanen has been in the trade talks over the last few weeks. Apart from the Warriors, several other teams also lined up to rope in him. In fact, the Sacramento Kings backed out and went after DeMar DeRozan after the Jazz declined their picks-heavy offer, protecting Keegan Murray. Whereas the Dubs have the potential All-Star Jonathan Kuminga and two first-round picks, which can make a strong case to trade the 27-year-old.

However, the Dubs don’t seem to have much time, as the Jazz look to extend Markkanen’s contract. The star, who has one more year left in his current contract, will be eligible for an extension on August 6. And the particular date has a huge implication attached to it. If Markkanen signs the extension on that date, he can’t be traded for the next 6 months, which will be until February, a day before the mid-season trade deadline. It not only reduces the Dubs’ chance to rope in the star but also guarantees the Jazz an entire season with him.

Speaking of it, The Athletic’s Anthony Slater said, “It’s a huge day. That’s the only day if they do sign him then they can trade him on the trade deadline day, February. But I think it’s likely that passes so the Warriors can trade in for him, Utah can trade him whenever.” 

Joe Lacob either has to make an offer that Lauri Markkanen can’t refuse before the extension eligibility or hope for the best in the available trade window.

The Jazz pull the strings for the Lauri Markkanen extension

Utah attempts to keep Markkanen amid the Dubs’ stern pursuit. Even if he signs the extension, the Dubs will still have a chance to land in February, but there is a twist.

It’s possible only if the Jazz signs him before 11:59 PM on August 6th. If it goes beyond that, then the mid-season trade deadline would guarantee a complete season with the Utah side.

Speaking further on the situation, Slater, along with Tim Kawakami, said, “If Utah loves him and values him as much as it would seem, you’d give him the max. If you do it on August 6, then you can trade him at the deadline. If Lauri Markkanen is like ‘Look I love Utah, sign me up long-term as long as possible’, then he should wait till August 7. At least he’ll get a guaranteed season in Utah where he can’t be traded. So I think Utah and Markkanen on that date have to declare their future together. It’s almost like a marriage day.”

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On the other hand, the Jazz definitely seem to free up their space to offer Markkanen the best contract they can afford. The latest update from Adrian Wojnarowski revealed that Utah is in talks with the Clippers to help the Nuggets land Russell Westbrook. As per Woj, the Jazz are sending 2030 second-round picks and $4.3 million for the Russ-Kris Dunn trade.

This trade would ultimately enable the Jazz to free up their cap space and help them with the extension plans. What do you make of the situation? Will the Dubs land Lauri Markkanen? Let us know in the comments.