The Golden State Warriors plan to be aggressive in their goal this offseason to add talent to their team, as they try to maximize the years of Stephen Curry and Steve Kerr. They have already been linked to some big names, such as LeBron James, and Kawhi Leonard is the latest player they are rumored to have interest in.
The interesting thing is that the Warriors checked in on Leonard leading up to the trade deadline, but Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer shut it down. The Warriors know that it may cost to get Leonard, but they’re willing to do what it takes, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater.
“But team sources continue to indicate he’s the type of established wing talent they would pursue in a win-now maneuver, depending on the price point. The problem: League sources said Ballmer has maintained a firm stance against a Leonard trade, preferring to continue building around his star forward,” Slater wrote.
It was noted by Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints in early May that the Warriors had interest in Leonard at the deadline, but the Clippers weren’t willing to move him. The Warriors want to pair him with Curry and Draymond Green, which means Green would not be involved in the trade.
If they can’t acquire Leonard, they have an interest in a younger, cheaper option.
“New Orleans Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III could be more obtainable in this transaction cycle, league sources said. Murphy is a player the Warriors front office has circled for years as a prime wing who fits a need, the Kerr system and, at 25, accomplishes the goal of getting younger,” Slater wrote.
The Pelicans have kept most of their wings off the table in trade talks, but they have a desire to get into the first round of this year’s draft.
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