According to Tim MacMahon, Brandin Podziemski would need to be a part of a potential Lauri Markkanen trade for it to happen.

At the 46:11 mark, Lowe asks MacMahon what’s the price for Markkanen. MacMahon says that “with educated speculation” he says that Brandin Podziemski. “I do think that if Podziemski is not in the deal, there wouldn’t be the deal”

Lowe then responds “So Podziemski and 3-4 Warriors 1st round picks and swaps unprotected, betting against the Warriors going forward with Steph aging and Markkanen as the guy, and Draymond aging as well.”

This matches the rumors we’ve heard and makes you wonder if this is holding up a potential trade. Podziemski was a great rookie for the Warriors and could be a nice part of the Utah Jazz for years to come. On top of that, it’s likely the Warriors want to field the most competitive team they can for Steph Curry as he continues towards his eventual retirement. Are they pressed to make something happen? Markkanen would absolutely put the Warriors back into playoff contention and would make the final years of Steph Curry’s career much more interesting. The question is, are the Jazz willing to make this happen?

MacMahon also mentions that other teams think that Markkanen extending makes it more likely for Utah to get the pieces they want. It certainly feels like the Warriors are pushing for a trade now while other potential suitors are waiting for an extension to happen. They mention the Spurs during the podcast. Perhaps they’re the team wanting him to be under a long-term contract?