The Golden State Warriors have three clear roster needs heading into the offseason. Steve Kerr’s team needs additional athleticism, wing shooting and some additional playmaking.
According to Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes, Trey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans could solve all of those problems. Of course, he would be an ambitious trade target for the franchise.
“Inked to a team-friendly four-year, $112 million extension that’ll keep him underpaid through his mid-20s, the rangy wing averaged a career-high 21.2 points and 3.5 assists per game last year. A good defender who can also attack the rim at high altitude, Murphy is a career 38.3 percent long-range sniper whose only real question mark is health…Almost any deal would have to involve Brandin Podziemski, whom Golden State was loath to move last summer.”
Murphy II is arguably the Pelicans’ most tradable asset. Teams would instantly spark a bidding war if he became available. This past season, Murphy averaged 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 53 games. He shot 45.4% from the field and 36.1% from 3-point range.
Given the potential cost of striking a deal with the Pelicans, Murphy is unlikely to be heading to the Bay Area this summer. Nevertheless, he would be a major addition to Kerr’s rotation.
Warriors a ‘Team to Monitor’ for Bobby Portis
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Warriors could pursue Bobby Portis in free agency. Portis would need to decline his $13.5 player option for him to hit the free ageny market.
“Team executives expect Portis to have numerous potential landing spots in the midlevel market as well, although Milwaukee would like to bring back the 30-year-old forward, sources say,” Fischer reported. “Golden State has always been a team to monitor for Portis, who has a notable fan in head coach Steve Kerr from their shared days during the 2023 FIBA World Cup competition with USA Basketball.”
Fischer would add size, scoring and toughness to Kerr’s rotation. He would be a strong addition, especially in terms of improving the second unit. However, it’s unlikely the Warriors can improve on the current salary Portis is set to earn, which could be a stumbling block.
Warriors Could Keep Jonathan Kuminga
Beyond looking to add new faces to the rotation, the Warriors must also decide whether to keep Jonathan Kuminga, who is heading into restricted free agency. Kuminga has been floated in multiple sign-and-trade rumors. However, Monte Poole recently reported the Warriors are “very likely” to re-sign Kuminga this summer.
“The scuttlebutt around the NBA is that the Warriors will very likely find a way to hang onto JK,” Poole said. “It doesn’t mean he’s going to be a long-term answer. They can just move him later.”
By re-signing Kuminga, the Warriors would have a high-level trade chip. It’s unlikely the explosive forward would see out the duration of his deal with the franchise. Still, if Golden State receives a good enough offer, Kuminga could be free to swap teams.
After all, he’s struggled to earn a legitimate spot in Kerr’s rotation, and that doesn’t project to be an issue that will change any time soon.
