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Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr admitted to reporters Friday that his team isn’t in a position to “stand pat” as Thursday’s trade deadline looms.
Anthony Slater of The Athletic relayed Kerr’s remarks.
Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater
Steve Kerr on the trade deadline: “We’re not in a position where we can say, ‘Nah, we’re good. Let’s stand pat.’ That’s the reality of where we are.”
Here’s Kerr on several deadline topics pic.twitter.com/kpjUjs8wD5
The 24-23 Warriors entered Friday tied for 10th in the Western Conference with the Sacramento Kings. It’ll be a fight for them just to make the play-in tournament at this point.
Kerr’s remarks come one day after Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports reported that both the coach and Warriors superstar guard Stephen Curry have concerns about Miami Heat trade candidate and six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler’s potential fit in the Warriors’ locker room due to a “tumultuous history with previous teams.” Butler and the Heat are amid a very public and messy divorce that could very well be ending by the deadline.
“As for the targets, Jimmy Butler has again emerged as the hottest name linked to the Warriors in the rumor mill. When the Butler saga exploded in Miami more than a month ago, the Warriors quickly bowed out of any discussions, worried about the price tag and fit, among other concerns. There was zero push from any layer of the organization to get something for Butler done, team sources said.
“Butler’s situation in Miami has devolved to a degree that the perceived price tag continues to tumble. The Warriors’ middling season has upped their desperation level for some sort of a shake-up, all the way up to controlling owner Joe Lacob. Team sources have downplayed their recent involvement in conversations with the Heat, but there’s been a noticeable increase in intrigue from the front office about the idea of Butler at a bargain.”
However, the Warriors have been connected to other players as well. Of note, Bulls guard Zach LaVine has emerged as a player to watch. Slater and Thompson reported this on Wednesday.
“LaVine is viewed by some within the organization as the safer option. At 29, he’s five and a half years younger and some $6 million cheaper than Butler this season, though his contract extends longer and he’s had some recent health concerns. There are risks all over the board,” Slater and Thompson noted.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported on Jan. 20 that the Dubs were looking for help in the frontcourt.
“The Warriors have continued their due diligence on the trade market and inquired about potential frontcourt upgrades, including Nikola Vučević, John Collins, Jonas Valančiūnas, and Robert Williams, league sources told HoopsHype.”
Ultimately, the Warriors seemed prepared to make a big move, per ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on NBA Today Thursday.
“This is not really a replicable situation and that’s one of the reasons why you keep hearing the Warriors’ names in trade talks,” Windhorst said Thursday (h/t RealGM Wiretap). “And I know a couple of weeks ago Steph Curry said, ‘We don’t need to do anything desperate’ and all of a sudden they were out.
“I’m telling you, in the last few days, I hear the Warriors are dipping their toes back in the trade market to make a significant move. And just not necessarily for some of the names you’ve heard in the past. I think everybody is kind of riding the fence here, not sure which way this team goes.”
Simply put, Golden State has no choice but to be active at the deadline. The Warriors are fighting for their playoff lives and are in a position to rebuild with Stephen Curry still on board and leading the team. They have to take advantage of their competitive window with him leading the way.
Ultimately, the expectation here is that the Warriors will get something done by Feb. 6. The question is what and for whom.
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