Golden State Warriors Rumors: Defending champions seriously interested in trading for veteran forward
The Golden State Warriors have been playing well recently, but there are still glaring issues on their roster. The latest rumors suggest that the defending champions are seriously interested in trading for veteran forward Jae Crowder of the Phoenix Suns.
In an interview with Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports, an anonymous Western Conference executive revealed the Warriors' interest in Crowder. The executive explained that Golden State is still trying to find the right package since it expects a star in return for its young players.
"They have a legitimate interest in Jae Crowder, most of the contenders do, but they don't have a good match as far as a trade goes," the executive said. "If they were to move (Jonathan) Kuminga, (James) Wiseman or (Moses) Moody, or any of the other young guys, Pat Baldwin too, they would only send out a package like that if they were getting a star in return."
Also Read: Golden State Warriors Rumors: Some players on the team upset about losing top player off the bench
According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, executives around the league believe that the Golden State Warriors will be active in the trade market.
Jae Crowder might not be a star, but he provides Golden State with depth and defense. His ability to spread the floor is an added bonus. He averaged 9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.4 steals last season, but has not played a single game this season.
However, the Warriors are not the only interested team in the veteran forward. Pincus noted that the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks are monitoring Crowder's situation.
To read Sean Deveney's interview with the Western Conference executive, click here.
Other players linked to the Golden State Warriors
Jae Crowder is not the only player linked to the Golden State Warriors this season. Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report reported that the defending champions are also showing interest in Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers and Jakob Poeltl of the San Antonio Spurs.
Turner and Poeltl are two of the best defensive big men in the league today. They can help bolster the Warriors' depth in the center position, with James Wiseman not really panning out.
On the other hand, Aaron Kellerstrass of Piston Powered has mentioned Saddiq Bey as a potential target for Golden State. Kellerstrass noted that the Warriors might be willing to part ways with either Jonathan Kuminga or Wiseman.
Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports revealed that the Detroit Pistons are accepting inquiries about their young forward. Bey was reportedly an untouchable commodity for the Pistons last season, but things have changed this season.
The third-year guard is struggling. He's only averaging 14.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists, while shooting 40.6% from the field, including 27.2% from beyond the arc.
Also Read: Golden State Warriors Trade Rumors: Jonathan Kuminga and James Wiseman on the market could interest Detroit Pistons, Saddiq Bey in the mix