Golden State Warriors: Pass or pursue on three NBA trade deadline targets
By Dalton Sell
Should the Golden State Warriors pass on or pursue rumored trade target Kristaps Porzingis?
Whether they wanted to be or not, the Golden State Warriors find themselves linked to former All-Star big man Kristaps Porzingis in trade rumors.
Reportings have been mixed about his trade availability, but SNY’s Ian Begley reported that Dallas called Golden State to “gauge interest” in a potential deal for the 25-year-old.
If he is available in trade discussions, Porzingis would certainly be one of the bigger household names floating around. However, there are concerns with him, most notably his health coming back from another injury. The big man did not make his season debut until midway through January this season due to surgery he underwent this offseason, and he has been hit or miss in his return.
In 21 games, Porzingis is averaging 20.5 points on a .478/.351/.836 slash line, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. While he has managed to put up reputable numbers on the offensive end, the seven-footer has undoubtedly taken several steps backward defensively. He has proven to be a liability on that side of the ball for most of this season, and that will have any potential suitors hesitant to make a move.
So, should the Warriors potentially bite on the Mavericks’ offering and consider making a move? No.
Along with the injury concerns and lackluster ability to be a threat defensively, taking on Porzingis’ hefty contract would be a sizeable gamble. Currently in the second season of a five-year maximum contract that will pay him $158 million, Porzingis is not the easiest trade target for any team financially. Taking on that much money long-term would also be a risk given his prominent injury history.
If the Mavericks are indeed shopping around Kristaps Porzingis, he does not make much sense for the Warriors at this time.