The Warriors have contacted the Bucks about a potential trade involving Kristaps Porzingis, according to Sam Amick and Nick Friedell of The Athletic.
Milwaukee is among the teams Golden State has approached as it explores options for the veteran center, whose recurring health problems have left his playing future uncertain. The Bucks, however, aren’t believed to be interested in Porzingis, Amick and Friedell report.
Myles Turner would be a logical player for Golden State to pursue if it wants a replacement at center. That is a potential fit rather than a confirmed Warriors target.
Turner has three years and approximately $83.55 million remaining on his contract. Porzingis is earning $20 million this season, with only a small partial guarantee next year, making his deal function much like an expiring contract.
The salaries would present a complication. Turner’s roughly $26.58 million cap hit exceeds Porzingis’ salary, and the Warriors cannot take back more money than they send out because they are operating above the first tax apron. Golden State would need to include additional salary, with several players ineligible to be traded until at least December 15.
According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, the Warriors likely would also need to attach draft assets to obtain a meaningful return, given the uncertainty surrounding Porzingis’ health. Golden State has several tradable first-round picks, though finding a willing partner this early in the season could be difficult while teams evaluate their rosters.
As Hoops Wire covered earlier Wednesday, Porzingis is seriously considering his basketball future while dealing with recurring symptoms of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, commonly known as POTS. ESPN reported that stepping away permanently is possible if his recovery doesn’t improve.
The Warriors subsequently issued a statement saying conversations with Porzingis and his representatives would remain private.
“We are not anticipating Kristaps being around the team in the immediate future,” the team said.
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