The Golden State Warriors could have acquired Lauri Markkanen last season, but Draymond Green wanted nothing to do with that move.
The Golden State Warriors have spent a considerable amount of time assembling a championship roster once again. After several failed experiments since winning the 2022 title, they finally have the right team.
The Warriors’ win over the Nuggets showed they are the favorites, going head-to-head with one of the best teams in the NBA and coming away with the win.
With the addition of Al Horford, the Warriors finally have a big presence in the interior, and their title hopes have skyrocketed.
However, the Warriors targeted another prolific big man, Lauri Markkanen, last season. And at Draymond Green’s behest, they ended those negotiations.
Draymond Green, along with the rest of the Golden State Warriors, sat down with ESPN’s Anthony Slater to discuss the process of putting together a new roster.
As it turns out, before the 2024-25 offseason, Draymond Green told the Warriors not to trade for Lauri Markkanen because he knew Danny Ainge wouldn’t settle for less than maximum.
“Green even told Dunleavy and controlling owner Joe Lacob the summer before not to greenlight a trade for Lauri Markkanen, given the Utah Jazz’s demands for draft picks and all of their young players.”
“‘I’m a big fan of (Markkanen’s) game,” Green said. “But I think if you want to do something this big, you better be sure this is the right thing to do.” of Move. Normally, Danny Ainge can’t beat that. I’m looking at history. ”
Considering Danny Ainge’s difficulties negotiating with other teams, it may have been for the best for the Warriors to abandon their pursuit of him.
Instead of trading Lauri Markkanen before last season, the Warriors tried several different roster rotations during the season and then traded for Jimmy Butler in February.
The Warriors have looked like a completely different team since he arrived and have performed well whenever he’s healthy.
The second round loss to the Timberwolves was largely due to an injury to Stephen Curry. After adding to their roster this summer, the Warriors are ready to get into the title mix.
And the Warriors are starting the NBA season with the potential to be one of the most dangerous teams in the league.