5 NBA teams that must consider trading for Lauri Markkanen

5) Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors are undeniably the current favorites to trade for Lauri Markkanen based on the recent rumblings in the rumor mill. The Warriors are looking to preserve what they have left of Steph Curry's superstardom, and with Klay Thompson now in Dallas with the Mavericks, a notable addition is needed simply to remain in the hunt for the play-in, let alone another NBA championship.

While Curry appears to still be near the top of his game, the same cannot be said for Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins. While they can still be serviceable playmakers, and the Warriors are hoping for a bounce-back year from Wiggins, another high-level scoring threat would go a long was for Golden State.

Markkanen is not only a talented scorer, but his ability from range helps spread the floor, which would not only make up for the loss of Klay Thompson, but open up significant space for Wiggins and Kuminga to drive the lane.

Initially, it seemed that Kuminga would have to be included in a deal to make it happen. More recent reporting though, specifically by The Athletic's Shams Charania, suggests that the Jazz are more interested in second-year wing Brandin Podziemski and draft compensation, though so far the Warriors have not been willing to part with their new starting two-guard.

Golden State will have to think long and hard about whether or not the price is right, or else there remains a decent chance another Western Conference playoff team could land him first.