After not acquiring Lauri Markkanen from the Jazz, the Warriors are reportedly not currently showing interest in vying for the services of either New Orleans’ Brandon Ingram or Chicago’s Zach LaVine, The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Tony Jones and Anthony Slater write.
Even though the Warriors didn’t get either of their high-profile targets of the offseason after also striking out on Paul George, they aren’t turning to panic mode. They’re reportedly comfortable entering the season with their current 14-man group.
Both Ingram and LaVine have experienced limited markets, primarily due to the contracts that would be owed to them. LaVine is under contract for at least two more years and for over $40MM annually while Ingram appears to be seeking a high-money extension.
The Warriors lost Klay Thompson this offseason but added De’Anthony Melton, Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson and Lindy Waters. They also held firm on their refusal to include Brandin Podziemski in any potential trade for Markkanen, so they’ll be counting on him and fellow young players Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody and Trayce Jackson-Davis to continue to develop.
Golden State did view Markkanen as a terrific fit due to his age and contract situation, but now they know he’s unavailable for at least a year and will continue to evaluate their roster, The Athletic writes. Owning all but one of their future firsts alongside their young players makes the Warriors a threat to make a blockbuster at any point of the season and they’ll look to be buyers up to the February trade deadline.
Until then, The Athletic writes that the Warriors will seek smaller-scale trades through August and September more than what is typical from NBA teams.