Dubs Trade Pitch Swaps Kuminga or Podziemski, Picks for Elite Big to Resurrect ‘Death Lineup’

The Golden State Warriors are well positioned to make the playoffs after a quality summer that they arguably won despite losing Klay Thompson, but home court advantage and a deep postseason push probably still require a star addition.

The Dubs are attempting to make that deal with the Utah Jazz by acquiring 7-foot offensive powerhouse Lauri Markkanen via trade. Zach Lowe and Kevin Pelton of ESPN co-hosted the July 15 edition of “The Lowe Post” podcast, during which they took an in-depth look at a potential deal and whether it would be worth it for the Warriors.

“One of the things I most love about the idea of Markkanen on the Warriors is a Markkanen and Draymond Green front court,” Pelton said. “That’s the death lineup model. Pairing [Green at center] with a [power forward] who is a really dangerous shooter and scorer, that has unlocked a lot of things for the Warriors.”

For context, The Athletic reported on Monday that Golden State brought a package of Moses Moody and several first-round picks, first-round swaps and second-round picks to Utah in its most recent proposal.

“The Jazz, however, have asked for the bulk of young talent and capital the Warriors possess, including Moody, Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski, along with picks, which has been a non-starter thus far for Golden State, league sources said,” Shams Charania reported.

The Dubs have been hunting an All-Star-caliber player to pair alongside two-time MVP Stephen Curry and a swap for Markkanen is their last real chance to make that happen this summer.

“Let’s say the middle ground ends up being the picks, salary filler and one of Kuminga and Podziemski,” Lowe said. “If that’s the price, is that worth it for the Warriors? Should they do that? Are they good enough?”