2 Jonathan Kuminga trades to land the Golden State Warriors a star

2 Jonathan Kuminga trades to land the Golden State Warriors a star: Lauri Markkanen

Jazz receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Gary Payton II, Three first-round picks

Warriors receive: Lauri Markkanen

At first glance, one obvious question comes to mind — Why would the Utah Jazz trade Lauri Markkanen? The 25-year-old forward is coming off of a breakout season that saw him win the Most Improved Player award. He could be the perfect player for the Jazz to build around moving forward.

But in reality, this could turn into a similar situation to the one with Dejounte Murray and the San Antonio Spurs. He was a 25-year-old fresh off of his first All-Star season, and they traded him the next offseason. Murray was also on a similar deal as to what Markkanen is now.

Now, these are obviously two different situations. Murray had been with the Spurs for years, while Markkanen just wrapped up his first season with Utah. The Jazz also have a better roster around Markkanen than the Spurs did with Murray.

However, why not strike while the iron is hot? Markkanen’s value will likely never be higher than it is now. He’s 25 years old, has two years left on his contract at a great price, and is coming off one of the most efficient seasons in the NBA this year.

In reality, will the Jazz be able to put a championship-caliber team around Markkanen by the time he wants a max contract? Probably not. Trading him for two youngsters oozing with potential and three firsts from a declining dynasty could be ideal.

Meanwhile, the Warriors would extend their championship window while also putting an extra potential future piece around Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins. The trade is unlikely, but in the right situation, it could make sense.