Warriors
The Warriors may want to trade Kristaps Porzingis, but getting another team to send back someone who can help? Well, that’s where things get complicated.
According to Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports, Golden State might have to absorb an unwanted contract, attach a first-round pick or potentially do both to move Porzingis.
His uncertain health and playing future make this a difficult sell, even with limited guaranteed money on his deal beyond this season.
“If they’re taking back money and putting in a pick, that’s great,” an NBA executive told Heavy. “But even the bad teams and the rebuilding teams are trying to win this year. It is going to be tough to get a team to give you a player you can use for one they can’t use even if it gets you off a contract down the line.”
Golden State also can’t take back more salary than it sends out. Adding another contract could expand the possibilities, but then the Warriors would be giving up more than Porzingis to address his absence. Sadly for them, though, that might be the only solution.
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Wizards
Anthony Davis gave the Wizards 34 points and 12 rebounds in their opener. Whether that helps build a future together or makes him more appealing elsewhere is the question.
Deveney writes that a strong start could strengthen Davis’ trade value or encourage Washington to commit to a lucrative extension.
Davis also offered an assessment of the home crowd that probably won’t make the next ticket promotion.
“I’d like it to be a little more packed in there, but the crowd was great, they were into it, got us over the hump,” Davis said, via Bijan Todd. “Even when I was here last year, very first home game. It was like ‘Dress Like a Seat Night’ in here.”
Deveney questioned what the remark might suggest about Davis’ long-term interest in Washington. A joke alone doesn’t settle that, especially given the praise that came with it. But more nights like his opener sure would give the Wizards a better reason to keep him, and fans a better reason to show up.
Nets
Michael Porter Jr. is another player whose production could force a decision.
Porter is playing on an expiring contract worth roughly $40 million and hasn’t signed an extension. Deveney identifies an extension or trade as the choice Brooklyn will eventually need to confront.
Porter did his part in the opener, scoring 26 points, grabbing seven rebounds and making five of 11 attempts from three in a loss to the Hornets.
Brooklyn could use that shooting as it tries to become more competitive. So could plenty of other teams. The Nets have to decide how much they’re willing to pay to keep it.
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