The Golden State Warriors lost LeBron James’ sweepstakes as the 41-year-old decided to join the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. Golden State had seemingly paused its offseason business amid James’ impending decision. However, with another target off the board, Mike Dunleavy Jr. could be eyeing other avenues to improve the roster.
According to Friday’s report from The San Francisco Standard’s Tim Kawakami, the Warriors can check in on trading for Trey Murphy III or look for a reunion with Klay Thompson. With Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody sidelined for the foreseeable future, the Warriors need wing depth.
Acquiring Murphy would be a costly move as he’s a hot commodity in the market and has potential to become an All-Star candidate. Last year, Murphy averaged a career-high 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game in 66 appearances for the New Orleans Pelicans. He shot 47.0% from the field, including 37.9% from three-point range on 8.6 attempts.
Murphy would seamlessly fit alongside Steph Curry and other core players. However, the Warriors will likely have to trade at least two unprotected first-round picks to acquire the 26-year-old. Golden State might also have to part with Moody and a few other players to match Murphy’s $27 million salary for next season.
As for Thompson, the trade price won’t be as much, and Golden State may even receive decent draft compensation from the Dallas Mavericks for taking on his $17.4 million expiring contract. Another option could be to wait and see if Dallas negotiates a buyout with the veteran. Golden State can then sign Thompson to a team-friendly deal.
LeBron James’ friend mocks Warriors for losing out on superstar forward
The Warriors were considered one of the heavy favorites to land LeBron James. Their odds kept fluctuating, but towards the end, it was clear Golden State may not have the upper hand. While the lure of playing alongside Steph Curry and staying close to his family in LA was enticing, James’ priority was to compete for a championship.
The Warriors didn’t do much to improve their roster this summer. According to reports, James wanted them to pursue his former teammate Anthony Davis, which would have formed a star-studded team with the ex-Lakers duo alongside Curry and Draymond Green.
However, Golden State stayed put. LeBron James’ friend “Cuffs The Legend” mocked the Warriors for their roster decisions to re-sign Kristaps Porzingis and snub a trade for Anthony Davis after the Warriors’ office failed to land the former Lakers superstar.
“shouldn’t have re-signed Porzingis and should’ve traded for Anthony Davis.. now look at you #EnjoyEm,” he wrote.
The Warriors won’t stand a chance of winning the Western Conference or even making it to the playoffs with the same roster as last year. Most of their key players in Curry, Green and Porzingis are injury-prone. There’s no timetable on Butler’s return, who, at 36, is recovering from ACL surgery.
The rest of the conference has made significant roster changes, and as projected, Golden State might be in the play-in tournament again.
Read more:
- “How Much Help Does LeBron James Need?”: NBA Fans React as 2020 Lakers Champion Reportedly Intends to Join 76ers
- “Can’t Wait Till Sixers Fans Boo LeBron”: Dave Portnoy Claims $1,400,000,000 Star Will Flop In Philadelphia
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