Golden State Warriors Rumors: Some players on the team upset about losing top player off the bench
The Golden State Warriors are finally hitting their stride following a tough start to the season. However, the latest rumors suggest that some Warriors players are still upset about losing a top player in the offseason. One glaring problem for Golden State this season is their depth.
According to a Western Conference executive, some people on the Warriors roster are not happy about a free agency decision made by the front office. The anonymous executive told Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports that these players wanted the team to retain Gary Payton II over Kevon Looney.
"If there is anything that the guys on that team, around that team, are upset with, it is letting Payton go, letting him get paid somewhere else like he did. Everyone understands that with the (luxury) tax, it was really tough to bring him back, but they could have kept him and let Looney walk because, in theory, it would be easier to replace a big guy," the exec said.
Gary Payton II left the Golden State Warriors in free agency after signing a three-year $28 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers. The Warriors had luxury tax issues with several impending extensions in the summer. Payton, who earned his contract, was a revelation for Golden State last season.
The Warriors re-signed Kevon Looney to a three-year, $25.5 million contract. The Western Conference executive also explained to Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports why the Warriors front office chose Looney over Payton.
"Looney means a lot in that locker room, and it is tricky playing center for the Warriors. So they felt they had to keep him, but losing Payton has really hurt that bench."
Golden State's depth was initially praised by analysts before the season started. They were able to add role players, but it has been a struggle for the Warriors' bench. Jordan Poole has not played well, while Jonathan Kuminga, James Wiseman and Moses Moody were not ready for bigger roles.
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Will the Golden State Warriors be active before the trade deadline?
The Golden State Warriors might be active at the trade deadline to improve their depth. Aaron Kellerstrass of Piston Powered believes that the Warriors might shop Jonathan Kuminga and James Wiseman. Kellerstrass suggested a potential deal between the Warriors and the Detroit Pistons, with Saddiq Bey going to the Bay Area in exchange for Kuminga.
Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports reported last week that the Pistons are accepting inquiries for Bey, who was once considered an important player in Detroit.
Marcus Thompson III of The Athletic revealed back in May 2020 that Bey had a lot of admirers inside the Warriors front office. He was on their radar for the 2020 NBA draft, but the Pistons took Bey earlier than expected. The Warriors have also been linked with Jae Crowder, Jakob Poeltl and Myles Turner.
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