Earlier this offseason, we discussed the Sacramento Kings needing an upgrade at power forward. And one name that has been connected to them over the last few weeks/months is that of Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (although those talks have slowed down to a degree since we acquired DeMar DeRozan via sign-and-trade).
Unfortunately, it looks like the Kings will have to look elsewhere for a new starting power forward, as recent reporting from a Jazz Insider suggests that Markkanen won't be leaving Utah any time soon. Here is what The Athletic's Jazz/Denver Nuggets' Writer Tony Jones had to say about the matter on an appearance on ESPN 700:
"I would expect him to sign on August 7th or after August 6th. doesn't want to be traded. So,... I expect him to do it after August 6th, so there's no trade talk this year. I don't even think him signing on August 6th is even an option. We're almost 100% trending towards him signing on August 7th."
Jones continued, " has really taken to Utah. His family has taken to Utah. Obviously, the Jazz can trade him between now and August 6th, and knows that, but has forged a really close relationship with Will Hardy. And has really found a way to unlock his career."
This information, when coupled with reporting that the Jazz will not trade Markkanen to the Golden State Warriors unless Brandin Podziemski is included in the trade package, indicates that it is doubtful that the Jazz are moving on from Markkanen this offseason.
Yes, the Kings can likely outbid the Warriors, as Keegan Murray is a better centerpiece than Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga, or any other young player that Golden State can realistically offer. But if the Jazz don't want to move Markkanen, it doesn't really matter if our main trade chip is better than the Warriors' best tangible asset. Besides, it doesn't seem like the Kings want to trade Murray anyway. And I don't blame them, seeing as though he could end up becoming one of the best role players in the association.
If the Jazz don't plan on trading Markkanen, hopefully, they plan on surrounding better players around him soon, because he's too good of a talent to be rotting away on a bottom feeder.
As for the Kings, if they can't get Markkanen, they really better hope that the Cleveland Cavaliers don't take both Cameron Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith from them.