The Warriors are still showing interest in Kristaps Porzingis, but only if his $30.7 million expiring salary drops to a much more manageable figure in free agency.
Golden State brought Porzingis in at the trade deadline because the fit made sense on paper: Stephen Curry needed more size, shooting, and rim protection around him.
The issue is that the Warriors did not get enough healthy minutes from Porzingis to know whether the idea would hold up over a full season.
Kristaps Porzingis move gives the Warriors a risky second chance
Jake Fischer reported for The Stein Line that Golden State wants Porzingis back, just not at anything near his previous salary.
“(The Warriors are) hopeful they can re-sign Kristaps Porziņģis on more of a cap-friendly deal after absorbing his $30.7 million expiring contract from Atlanta on Deadline Day in February.”
Porzingis showed flashes after arriving from Atlanta, averaging 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 15 games. But he shot just 31.1 percent from three and missed 16 of a possible 31 regular-season games after the trade.
That availability issue made an already difficult Warriors season worse. Curry, Moses Moody, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green all dealt with major absences, leaving Steve Kerr without a stable version of the roster he was supposed to evaluate.
The fit is still obvious when healthy. Porzingis can stretch defenses, protect the rim behind Draymond, and give Curry a pick-and-pop big who changes coverage.
Warriors’ price for Porzingis must protect their future
Golden State should not view Porzingis as a luxury signing.
A fair offer is likely closer to two years in the $20 million to $24 million range, ideally with a team option or partial guarantee. Anything approaching $20 million a year is risky, given his health record and the Warriors’ need to rebuild their depth.
That is important because Butler and Moody are expected to miss significant time, and Golden State still wants to build a contender around Curry. Overpaying for an injury-prone center could get in the way of adding the wing and guard help they also need.
The Warriors may face competition, too. The Charlotte Hornets could use Porzingis as a floor-spacing center next to LaMelo Ball, while the San Antonio Spurs might see him as a rare backup who allows Victor Wembanyama to rest without sacrificing their five-out style if they lose the NBA Finals.
Porzingis is still worth keeping, but for Golden State, the contract has to reflect reality: the best version is special, but the unavailable version is all too familiar.
Read more:
Discover more from NAIRAVOICE.COM.NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
