The Golden State Warriors explored trading for KJ Martin this offseason, sources told Anthony Slater of The Athletic.
The Warriors could have used a trade exception created when they traded Patrick Baldwin Jr. to the Wizards.
Slater adds that discussions never reached the final stages.
Martin was acquired by the Clippers for two first-round picks.
The Golden State Warriors are likely to keep their 14th roster spot open as the remainder of the offseason plays out, sources tell Anthony Slater of The Athletic.
The extra flexibility would allow the Warriors to make a trade if something unexpectedly materializes, or they could sign a player that suddenly becomes available such as Rudy Gay.
Gay has $6.5 million remaining on his expiring contract and is on an Oklahoma City Thunder that is overcommitted on guaranteed roster spots. The Warriors have had interest in Gay in the past.
Golden State similarly added JaMychal Green and Ty Jerome late in the 2022 offseason.
If no player materializes for that spot, they could then use it on a non-guaranteed training camp invite. Lester Quinones is a leading candidate for the spot.
When the Portland Trail Blazers evaluated trade options with the No. 3 overall pick, Zach Lowe reports that no “sensible deal” ever presented itself.
The New Orleans Pelicans and Toronto Raptors weren’t ready on draft day to pivot away from Zion Williamson, Pascal Siakam, or OG Anunoby, sources tell Lowe.
The Los Angeles Clippers push back on the idea they genuinely explored Paul George’s trade value, but trading away the pick that became Scoot Henderson for a 33-year-old with injury issues would be problematic for the Blazers.
The Brooklyn Nets never showed interest in trading Mikal Bridges for No. 3.
The Portland Trail Blazers are pledging to remain patient in evaluating their Damian Lillard trade options.
“I think what I’ve learned more than anything is patience is critical,” Cronin said in a news conference at Thomas & Mack Center on Monday afternoon. “Don’t be reactive. Don’t jump at things just to seemingly solve a problem. I think the teams that have ended up in the most positive situations post-trade have been the ones that have been really diligent in taking their time and not been impulsive, or the teams that really kept their urgency under control.
“So I think that’s how my approach has been with this and will be with this. We’re going to be patient; we’re going to do what’s best for our team. We’re going to see how this lands. And if it takes months, it takes months.”
Cronin revealed he hasn’t spoken to Lillard since the trade request arrived on July 1st.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the process remains “very early.”
