While the NBA Finals are still taking place, the 28 other teams are preparing for an offseason that is expected to be full of moves.
One of those teams is the Golden State Warriors who are looking to upgrade their roster around their veteran trio of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green.
Golden State put together a solid season that changed drastically after they acquired Butler at the trade deadline, who helped lead them to the second round of the playoffs.
Golden State Warriors stars Jimmy Butler and Steph Curry
Golden State Warriors stars Jimmy Butler and Steph Curry
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Unfortunately for Golden State, an injury suffered by Curry in Game 1 ultimately led to them being eliminated in five games by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Now the Warriors enter a crucial offseason with many holes to fill on their roster.
Because of this, they could elect to go after another star player and they have surprisingly been named the favorites to land an All-Star forward from the Western Conference.
According to Bovada, the Warriors are the favorites (+205) to land Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz this summer.
They are followed by the Miami Heat (+250), Orlando Magic (+325) and Dallas Mavericks (+450).
Of course, the Warriors were linked to Markkanen last offseason as trade rumors ran wild surrounding the 28-year-old forward until Utah signed him to a contract extension that made him ineligible to be traded until this summer.
Lauri Markkanen, Will Hardy
Feb 1, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) and head coach Will Hardy talk during a stop in play in the second half against the Orlando Magic at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images
© Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images
With the Jazz still being a bottom feeder in the West, they could elect to reopen trade talks for Markkanen this summer and the Warriors would be an interesting landing spot for him.
Markkanen would give Golden State much-needed size due to his seven-foot frame and he would also give them another reliable scorer and defender next to their aging stars.
Despite this, Golden State would likely have to include either Green or Butler in a trade for him due to salary reasons, which could benefit the Warriors due to Markkanen’s age as he could be a centerpiece of their future after their stars retire.