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To say the Golden State Warriors were facing roster issues before entering the 2026-27 season would be an understatement. Aside from the long-term absences of players such as Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody, the franchise also had to deal with the health concerns surrounding Kristaps Porzingis. While there have been positive updates about Butler and Moody, the same can’t be said for Porzingis.
Kristaps Porzingis recently announced that he would be stepping away from the game of basketball to focus on his recovery, effectively implying that he won’t be suiting up for the Warriors this season. While this may seem like an issue, there is reason to believe that it is a blessing as well.
According to recent reports, the Warriors withheld paying Porzingis his $20 million contract this season. While this would typically be a problem, on a recent episode of “The Hoop Collective,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst suggested that it may help Golden State make some interesting roster moves if they play their cards right. He shared:
“The interesting thing about this is he and the Union are not challenging him for not getting paid. But his contract theoretically still counts as $20 million in a trade. I see people saying that someone could trade for him and agree to a buyout, and it would be a way to cut salary. Why would he take a buyout? He’s not taking any money right now anyway.”
“If he isn’t going to show up and the Union is okay with him not getting paid, then why give him any money?” Windhorst added. “This would essentially function as a trade exception for the Warriors. They can use that money.”
According to the trade rules, teams can receive up to 125% of the outgoing salary. In this scenario, Windhorst implied that the Warriors could effectively have a trade exception of nearly $25 million to make roster adjustments.
Realistically, given the Warriors’ current position, which is roughly $350,000 under the second apron, this may not be an ideal approach.
For the most part, Porzingis remains an active player on the roster. But since the Dubs are withholding portions of his salary with no backlash from the players’ union or Porzingis’ representation, teams around the league may be more inclined to engage in trade discussions.
Hence, we explore three players Golden State could target using their functional $20 million trade exception.
Daniel Gafford Becomes A Viable Target
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Daniel Gafford
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Kristaps Porzingis, 2028 first-round pick
Coming off their latest 138-87 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, it is safe to say that the Warriors are on a roll. With an 8-3 record, which features an eight-game winning streak, one could even argue that the Dubs are one of the best teams in the league. While they have been impressive, it is fair to say that it is not sustainable.
Golden State has been exceptional even in the absence of a traditional big man. However, as the season continues, the Dubs will need a more reliable option in the starting center spot to shore up their rebounding and interior defense. In this regard, a player like Daniel Gafford could be ideal.
Gafford is the template for the blue-collar big man. From setting bone-crunching screens and cleaning up the glass to making key defensive plays, the veteran center brings a lot to the table. When also noting this season’s averages of 9.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game, along with his $17.2 million cap hit, the Warriors would benefit greatly from pursuing him.
The Mavericks may not be inclined to do this deal at first, especially since Gafford is currently their most reliable center. However, if Dereck Lively II returns to action and establishes himself as a key rotation piece, Dallas may have reason to engage in negotiations.
Wendell Carter Jr. Pops Up On The Warriors’ Radar
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Wendell Carter Jr.
Orlando Magic Receive: Kristaps Porzingis, 2028 first-round pick
Another center that should be on Golden State’s radar ahead of the trade deadline is Orlando Magic big man Wendell Carter Jr. Like Gafford, Carter Jr. also possesses the skill set to address the Warriors’ issues. More importantly, however, Carter may be slightly easier to acquire at this point in time.
Wendell Carter Jr. has positioned himself as a reliable veteran center. Although marginally undersized for the role at 6’10”, the 27-year-old’s averages of 14.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game capture his ability to make an impact on the floor.
For all intents and purposes, Carter Jr. is a key player in Orlando’s rotation. However, given the team’s concerning salary cap situation, the Magic could be more inclined to trade him if it earned them some financial flexibility. Since it also affects their ability to retain Anthony Black, the Magic could benefit from offloading his $18.1 million contract.
Golden State Revisits Talks For Trey Murphy III
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Trey Murphy III
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Kristaps Porzingis, Brandin Podziemski, Will Richard, 2027 first-round pick, 2032 first-round pick
While the Warriors’ need for a center has been well documented, the Warriors could also use this opportunity to take a different approach. With Kristaps Porzingis’ $20 million contract functioning as a trade exception, the Dubs could have more flexibility to pursue another star-caliber player. In this regard, revisiting trade conversations for Trey Murphy III couldn’t be out of the question.
The Dubs’ interest in trading for Murphy has been largely defined by his two-way upside. With averages of 15.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.0 steals per game, he hasn’t been at his best this season. Still, when factoring in his shooting splits of 46.5% from the field and 37.7% from three-point range, there may be some value in trading for him.
Acquiring Trey Murphy III comes with its own set of challenges, which begin with the high asking price the Pelicans have placed on him. Aside from this, however, the forward’s $27.0 million contract would also require Golden State to include the contracts of Brandin Podziemski ($5.6 million) and Will Richard ($2.1 million) to help match salaries.
For the Warriors, parting with two first-round picks may seem excessive. But considering what they receive in return, they could benefit from being open to such a move.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/3-players-warriors-could-target-071908701.html
