Warriors inquire about Jalen Smith, but Myles Turner’s price a different story

The Warriors are looking for frontcourt help, but that doesn’t mean they’re looking to take on just any frontcourt contract.

That’s the distinction in reporting from Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, who indicates Golden State has contacted the Bulls about Jalen Smith but has considerably less enthusiasm for the Bucks’ Myles Turner.

The common thread is cost, particularly how long the Warriors would be paying it.

Smith, 26, earns $9.4 million on an expiring contract and offers some shooting range. The Warriors have called Chicago about him, Fischer reports. That establishes interest, though it doesn’t establish that the Bulls are ready to move him or that a deal is close.

Turner presents a different calculation. Golden State previously showed interest when he was earning less than $20 million annually with the Pacers. His current salary is $26 million, and his contract runs through 2028-29.

At that price, Turner isn’t high on the Warriors’ list. They would want draft capital or another incentive from Milwaukee to consider taking him on, according to Fischer.

In other words, being interested in a player and being interested in his contract are two different things.

This all comes as the Warriors continue exploring trades involving Kristaps Porzingis, whose salary payments they are withholding amid his extended absence. As we covered earlier, Golden State still hopes to turn that contract into help.

Smith’s shorter commitment would give the Warriors more room to reassess after the season. Turner would require a longer bet, which helps explain why they’d want something extra from the Bucks.

Neither inquiry guarantees a move. But together, they suggest the Warriors are trying to address their immediate needs without letting the Porzingis situation dictate several more years of spending.