LeBron James: Lakers told of surprise target instead of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George

The Utah Jazz and Golden State Warriors have reached an impasse, for now, in trade discussions for Lauri Markkanen. That blockage is around the inclusion of Brandin Podziemski and draft picks in a potential deal, according to NBA insider Shams Charania in a recent appearance on Sirus XM NBA Radio.

The Jazz have asked for Podziemski and several unprotected picks and swaps in a trade. The Warriors are open to a deal involving Podziemski or significant draft compensation, but not both.

If Utah is unable to trade Markkanen this summer, which would kick off a full rebuild, they are comfortable extending the All-Star forward’s contract. Markkanen can work a renegotiation-and-extension of his deal on August 6 with the Jazz.

Joel Embiid has suffered a lateral meniscus injury in his left knee, the Philadelphia Sixers announced on Thursday.

Embiid will be out at least through the weekend while a treatment plan is finalized.

There remains uncertainty over how the team and Embiid will move forward with a treatment plan, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Embiid had been the clear favorite to win MVP this season assuming he played in at least 65 games to qualify to be on the ballot.