Warriors owner dubs Podziemski 'future All-Star' amid Markkanen trade rumors

Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob delivered a glowing assessment of Brandin Podziemski amid reported trade talks involving the second-year guard and Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen.

"He does so many things well," Lacob told NBC Sports on Wednesday. "He's ultra-confident. He's got an NBA body. Can get wherever he wants. Obviously, he can shoot threes, he can drive, he can pass. I mean, what can't he do? We're really excited. We think we've got a future All-Star. We really do."

The Warriors are reportedly one of multiple teams vying for Markkanen, who averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and shot a hair under 40% from deep in 55 games last season for the rebuilding Jazz. Golden State presented an offer laden with draft-pick compensation plus swingman Moses Moody for the 27-year-old, according to The Athletic. However, the Jazz reportedly responded by also asking for forward Jonathan Kuminga and Podziemski.

Drafted 19th overall last season out of Santa Clara, Podziemski impressed as a rookie in the Bay Area's high-pressure setting. The 21-year-old started 28 of 74 games while averaging 9.2 points (10th among rookies), 5.8 rebounds (second on last season's Warriors behind Draymond Green), and 3.7 assists. Though he shot 38.5% from deep on the season, he was much more efficient off the bench, hitting threes at a 42.3% clip as a reserve.

Markkanen is one of the more impactful names supposedly available on the trade market and would immediately bolster the team's hopes of contention alongside Stephen Curry and Green. Due to his contract expiring after the season, Utah is likely to deal him elsewhere to avoid letting him walk for free next summer. However, the franchise's CEO, Danny Ainge, is likely to maintain a firm asking price for the forward; the executive developed a reputation as a tough negotiator during his 18-year stint as a top executive in the Boston Celtics' front office.