Update on trade rumors: Warriors will try the market with Chris Paul and Wiggins

With the NBA trade deadline just over a week away, the basketball community is abuzz with rumors and discussions. However, amidst the speculations and misinformation, here’s the latest noteworthy information circulating in the NBA.

Basketball Updates!

• The Golden State Warriors are exploring trade possibilities for Chris Paul and Andrew Wiggins, according to reports. The team’s recent struggles have raised questions about their future moves, prompting consideration of potential trades. Shams Charania, from The Athletic, revealed on FanDuel’s Run It Back that the Warriors are even open to discussing the possibility of trading Klay Thompson. This development aligns with the team’s assessment that they may need significant changes to become contenders again.

“The Warriors are willing to entertain offers for Andrew Wiggins and Chris Paul. There’s even a possibility of exploring interest in a player like Klay Thompson. These discussions are open for the Warriors, reflecting their need to consider various options and stay open-minded about potential changes.”

It seems like a strategic leak aimed at reassuring the fan base that the team is actively seeking improvements, although the actual impact may be limited. The Warriors had always planned to explore trade options with Chris Paul, given his $30.8 million salary this season, essentially an expiring contract with a $30 million team option for the next season that is unlikely to be exercised. The initial hope was to use Paul’s contract along with a draft pick to acquire a high-caliber wing player or a complementary piece that could elevate the team’s performance. However, finding such a player has proven challenging, except for those with a strong preference for Zach LaVine.

The Warriors are in need of wing support due to the inconsistent performances from Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson this season. Consequently, the team is open to offers for both players, although the likelihood of a trade is low. Thompson, earning $43.2 million on an expiring contract, has been unable to reach an extension agreement with the Warriors, making it challenging for other teams to offer substantial assets for a temporary rental. Wiggins, on the first year of a four-year, $24.3 million extension, could attract interest from teams aiming to rejuvenate his performance to the level seen during the team’s 2022 championship run. However, acquiring quality assets in exchange for taking on the associated risk would require additional incentives from the Warriors.

The broader questions facing the Warriors extend beyond potential trades. While Stephen Curry remains a top-10 player in the league, the overall roster lacks the depth to contend. The current season feels like the end of the dynasty era, prompting the Warriors to contemplate their next moves. Rebuilding around Curry would necessitate a substantial roster overhaul, making it a complex and multi-step process. Alternatively, they may consider re-signing Thompson to complement Draymond Green and Curry, riding out the current lineup and assessing its potential for success. Such significant decisions are rarely resolved during the trade deadline.

The Warriors have categorically stated that Jonathan Kuminga is not available for trade. Despite the potential rise in his trade value as the NBA deadline approaches, sources within the team affirm that Kuminga is considered a foundational piece and not a negotiable asset. According to reports from Marcus Thompson III at The Athletic, the Warriors have no intentions of including him in any trade deals, emphasizing his significance to the team. While Kuminga’s strong performances may attract attention, the Warriors view him as a key building block for the future. The team will face crucial decisions regarding Kuminga’s extension eligibility after this season, particularly with the associated tax implications, but any major roster decisions are likely to occur in the upcoming offseason.

Atlanta Hawks coach Quin Snyder has advocated for keeping Dejounte Murray amid stalled trade talks with the Lakers, according to Marc Stein. Despite Murray’s strong performance and a relatively manageable contract, it’s noted that he doesn’t mesh well with Trae Young in the backcourt. This situation appears to involve both sides trying to influence the other through the media, suggesting a potential desire to retain Murray unless an irresistible offer is presented.

In another development, the Philadelphia 76ers have expressed interest in Kyle Lowry if the Charlotte Hornets buy him out. The Hornets acquired Lowry as part of the Terry Rozier trade with Miami. However, due to the significant salary associated with Lowry’s expiring deal ($29.7 million), a trade is deemed highly unlikely. The prevailing expectation is that Lowry will be bought out, and if so, the 76ers are reportedly interested in him as a backup point guard behind Tyrese Maxey. Notably, teams over the tax apron, including Denver, Boston, the Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix, Milwaukee, and others, are restricted from signing Lowry if he is bought out under the terms of the CBA.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have reportedly no intention of trading their prominent big man, Jarrett Allen, ahead of the deadline, according to Chris Haynes of TNT/Bleacher Report. With a 14-3 record in games where Allen served as the primary center (owing to Evan Mobley’s absence following knee surgery), the Cavaliers boast the NBA’s second-best defense over their last 15 games. Despite the New York Knicks rightfully gaining attention for their performance, the Cavaliers are aligned with them and have no plans to dismantle the team through a trade. Cleveland aims to maintain this core, navigate through the playoffs, assess their potential, and consider making challenging roster adjustments in the upcoming offseason, as indicated by league sources to NBC Sports.

A crucial consideration for the Cleveland Cavaliers is the improvement observed in the team and Donovan Mitchell when the floor has been spaced more during Evan Mobley’s absence. As Mobley, an elite defender, approaches eligibility for a contract extension, the team faces a significant decision regarding the direction they want to take with him and the overall roster.