It’s certainly rare to hear about the Golden State Warriors balking at an asking price.
But that’s the word regarding NBA trade-deadline target Victor Oladipo. The dynamic, veteran Rockets guard is set to hit free agency this summer and he’s rumored to be on the market. According to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, the Warriors aren’t interested in relinquishing the assets needed for a potential trade with Houston.
The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor reported the Warriors have shown interest in Oladipo. He is among the players they’ve sniffed around. But the asking price, to this point, has been too steep to even realistically consider, I’ve been told. That can always change as the deadline ticks closer.
Anthony Slater/The Athletic
This is no surprise, since general manager Bob Myers and owner Joe Lacob have to value every single asset, large or small, because of the top-heavy salary structure on their roster. It would take a lot to acquire Oladipo, possibly either center James Wiseman, the Wolves’ first-round pick owned by the Warriors or maybe both.
And with Oladipo’s impending free-agency, Myers and Lacob would have to bring the money truck to keep him around, and that’s salary they don’t have or plan to have.
As I’ve said before on the BASH, I think Kevin O’Connor’s initial report was just a way to say the Warriors need backcourt help. Coach Steve Kerr, Lacob and perhaps especially Myers hope Golden State’s first-round pick from a year ago, guard Jordan Poole, can fill that role.
(Photo credit Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)
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