Warriors Pursuing Centers Before Deadline
With the NBA’s trade deadline approaching, the Golden State Warriors have been making a strong push to acquire a center, according to multiple sources close to the situation. Golden State has talked with a number of teams and they’ll continue to weigh their options over the next three days.
The Warriors have expressed significant interest in Andrew Bogut. The Milwaukee Bucks are listening to offers for Bogut, but would like to include Stephen Jackson in any trade involving the 27-year-old center. In the past, Milwaukee has made it clear to teams that Bogut is untouchable, but that’s no longer the case. They’re willing to discuss any player on their roster and will be fielding plenty of calls over the next few days.
Golden State’s preference is to acquire Bogut, but they have several alternatives lined up as well.
The Warriors have discussed a three-team deal with the Orlando Magic and New Orleans Hornets, which would send Monta Ellis to Orlando and Chris Kaman to Golden State. Other players would be included and, rather than forcing the Warriors to take on players like Milwaukee, the Magic would be willing to take on some of Golden State’s bad contracts. At this point, it seems that the three-team deal is a back-up plan for the Warriors, one they would consider if their talks with Milwaukee break down.
The Magic have been trying to land Ellis for several weeks in an effort to appease Howard. Orlando believes that acquiring Ellis could persuade Howard to opt-in to the final year of his contract.
In recent weeks, Golden State has also been linked to Brook Lopez and JaVale McGee. While the Warriors haven’t had significant talks with the New Jersey Nets or Washington Wizards, they are interested in Lopez and McGee. They could shift their attention to one of these young centers if their other options fall through.
The Warriors are making a strong push to acquire a center and will certainly be active in the days leading up to the deadline.
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