The Golden State Warriors, like most teams, entered the offseason with the intention of upgrading their roster. While this pursuit has seen them linked to several players, including Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. and New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr may have a larger role in the decision-making process.
It has been over three weeks since the free agency window opened, and the Golden State Warriors have yet to make any noteworthy signings. Although the Dubs have been linked to players like LeBron James in free agency, recent rumors indicate that their chances of signing James hinge on their ability to acquire Anthony Davis from the Washington Wizards.
Although this plan seems feasible in theory, trading for Davis comes with its own set of challenges. Hence, having a backup seems reasonable. On that note, Yahoo! Sports’ Kevin O’Connor listed Michael Porter Jr. as a potential target. Unfortunately, Steve Kerr’s stance could affect the Warriors’ pursuit of the sharpshooting forward, as he wrote:
“But if it’s not Davis, then who: Trey Murphy? League sources say the Pelicans have resisted all trade offers so far and hope to compete next season. Michael Porter Jr.? Sources say that Steve Kerr didn’t want MPJ in February, and there is little reason to believe he would want him now.”
Michael Porter Jr. has long been viewed as a target for the Warriors. Aside from his offensive prowess, the forward possesses incredible perimeter-shooting ability and off-ball movement, skills that would translate beautifully to the Warriors’ motion offense.
Last season, Porter Jr. notched a career-high 24.2 points, along with 7.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game, while shooting 46.3% from the field and 36.3% from three-point range.
On paper, Michael Porter Jr. seems to be the perfect fit for the Warriors. Especially when factoring in Jimmy Butler’s prolonged absence due to injury, acquiring a forward with scoring upside to support Stephen Curry would seem ideal. However, Steve Kerr’s lack of interest in the 28-year-old suggests that Golden State will turn its attention elsewhere.
So what is on the horizon for the Dubs?
With Michael Porter Jr. and Trey Murphy III out of the picture, it is certainly slim pickings for Golden State. Although Kevin O’Connor mentioned that the Dubs can offer considerable draft compensation in a trade, the sheer quality of players available on the trade market may not be as promising.
Thus, if the rumors are true, the current indication is that the Warriors will be making a run at acquiring Anthony Davis. While this seems unlikely right now, the circumstances may change dramatically once the superstar big man becomes extension-eligible on Aug. 6. Some even suggest that LeBron James is biding his time until then to see how the Wizards approach this matter.
Alternatively, some sources suggest that the Warriors could pivot completely if they miss out on LeBron James this summer. With an emphasis on remaining competitive in the future, NBA insider Anthony Slater mentioned that the team would shift their focus to the post-Steph era and embrace a long-term outlook.
As troublesome as the current situation is for the Warriors, it is equally questionable for Michael Porter Jr. Despite a phenomenal individual campaign with the Nets, rumors indicate that Porter Jr.’s future remains uncertain as extension talks loom.
With virtually no guarantee of an extension, a trade may look like the most favorable outcome for the 28-year-old. However, with the Warriors seemingly out of the running, some other teams may emerge as frontrunners for the Nets’ star.
