After starting the season off hot, the Golden State Warriors are just 18-18 and could be active in the trade market. As they look to capitalize on the remaining years of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, the Warriors are looking to bring at least one more title to the franchise soon. Given their slump, expectations are that they will look to trade for some reinforcements. Recently they have been linked to players like Jimmy Butler and Brandon Ingram. While nothing is official, fans can expect the Warriors to remain in the rumor mill. However, according to recent reports, there is one potential trade candidate the Warriors will likely not pursue–Zion Williamson.
According to Andscape’s Marc J. Spears, the New Orleans Pelicans star is not on Golden State’s radar. This is in spite of NBA execs previously linking Williamson to Golden State.
“I also did hear that Zion’s not on the [Warriors] radar,” Spears told Brian Murphy and Markus Boucher. “Which, I know others might feel differently, but probably a good thing. Because with Zion, you just don’t know what you’re going to get and when he’s going to be healthy, and his [salary cap] number’s rather high as well. I just think the Warriors in the end will get someone in a very creative way. They actually have to.”
Golden State Warriors Not Pursuing Trade for Zion Williamson
Warriors Not Expected to Pursue Another Blockbuster Trade
Williamson is not the only player the Warriors are reportedly not targeting despite reported interest. According to The Athletic (subscription required), the Warriors may not have interest in a Butler trade. The Miami Heat star reportedly has the Warriors on his wishlist of teams to get traded to. However, per recent reports, the Warriors are not pursuing a trade for Butler.
The math to complete a deal for Butler — or anyone making anywhere near his salary figure — is tricky. To acquire him, either Andrew Wiggins, at $26.2 million, or Draymond Green, at $24.1 million, would have to be part of the deal to match salaries, along with a handful of other role players.
Of those two, the expectation is it’d be Wiggins, which is part of the hesitation inside the Warriors’ walls. Wiggins has regained his form as the team’s most reliable nightly perimeter defender while hitting 40 percent of his 3s. He’s well-liked by teammates and coaches and, in a win-now environment, the Warriors maintain more interest in trades that allow them to keep Wiggins in the fold next to Curry and Green.
While acknowledging Butler’s ability, sources inside the locker room (and the Warriors’ coaching staff and front office) would rather keep their two best wings than acquire Butler.
Zion Williamson Impressed in His On-Court Return
After two months removed from action, Williamson made his return for the Pelicans last night. Despite the loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the former No. 1 overall pick looked solid. In the game, he recorded 22 points on 9-for-15 shooting, six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block. The Pelicans are 7-30 and own the worst record in the NBA. While a postseason appearance is likely out of the picture, it would not be surprising if they started turning things around following Williamson’s return.
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