NBA Rumors: Warriors Top Markkanen Suitor, But 2 Players Are Off The Table

The Laurie Markkanen trade rumors just won't die, despite the Utah Jazz not being overly anxious to deal him. The Golden State Warriors are the top suitor for the agile 7-foot scoring machine, but according to a report, there are two young players that are off the table in any trade talks.

NBA Insider Marc Stein reported on Sunday that neither Brandin Podziemski nor Jonathan Kuminga are being made available in the Markkanen talks.

The Warriors, as of Sunday, continued to be regarded as the league's most ardent Markkanen suitor ... but at the same time still unwilling to surrender Brandin Podziemski in a trade package for the 7-foot Finn. Golden State, to date, has pursued Markkanen without including Podziemski or Jonathan Kuminga in trade packages laden with future draft compensation. Obviously no team, to this point, has met Danny Ainge's asking price.

Jazz CEO Ainge, of course, always drives the hardest of bargains, and it's unlikely he'll make such a deal for Markkanen with Golden State without nabbing one, or both, of the Dubs' rising young talents.

Podziemski, in his rookie season, became a part of the Warriors future core, recording 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per night in 26.6 minutes per game, while shooting 38.5% from long range.

With long-time, legendary Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson now in Dallas, Podziemski, naturally, is being groomed as the future at the 'two' in The Bay.

Stein says the Dubs are somewhat "more willing" to part with Kuminga than they are Podziemski, but the 21-year-old forward earned his way into the starting lineup for over half the season this past year, while averaging 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. Golden State would like to hang on to Kuminga as well.

If a Markkanen trade is to happen, however, expect Ainge to keep pushing until he gets what he wants.