Just because the Warriors live in the eye of the speculation storm doesn’t mean every assumption is a shout into the ether. There are times when there is heat behind the talk.
Such is the case of Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George.
The Warriors, like the rest of the NBA, consider George a top-25 talent and a top-five two-way wing. Additionally, at 34 years old, the 6-foot-8, 225-pound forward fits the win-now approach that Golden State has committed to, with the goal of maximizing franchise player Stephen Curry’s remaining prime.
The Warriors always have a list of impact players who, if available, they would explore in their pursuit. That list includes the likes of Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Chris Paul and George.
Rumors about Golden State’s potential interest in George have circulated for weeks and gained further steam Wednesday following comments from veteran KeynoteUSA reporter Brian Windhorst.
Multiple league sources contacted by KeynoteUSA Sports Bay Area on Wednesday confirmed Golden State’s interest – and willingness to pursue a max contract extension with George – while citing numerous circumstances that could prevent the vision from becoming a reality. .
What are the circumstances? First, George would have to exercise his option for the final year of his current contract ($48.8 million), giving Los Angeles a sign-and-trade option. Second, both the Warriors and Clippers would have to drop below the second tier, which can’t happen before Sunday afternoon, when Klay Thompson and James Harden become free agents. Third, Paul would have to make it clear that he is willing to leave Los Angeles, where his immediate family can attend all the games.
Fourth, and most importantly, the Clippers would have to decide not only that they are willing to trade George, but also to a Western Conference contender like the Warriors.
These obstacles may well have been on Golden State general manager Mike Dunleavy’s mind Monday when he noted the difficulty of making changes in today’s NBA.
“I’m calling everyone, but if the player is not available and there is no price, then no trade can be made,” Dunleavy said.
“We have to be realistic and I don’t want to like, pressure and exaggerate something. You need to have some patience and at the same time recognize this time horizon that we have with Steph and Draymond (Green) and hopefully Klay.
“As those guys get a little older, we have to be aware that at one point they are not at the level to compete for a championship. I don’t think it will be too (soon). But at some point, it probably will be.”
That’s why George, as an immediate upgrade, is so appealing, regardless of Thompson’s decision.
“He wants a max, and there are several teams, I’m told, that are willing to give it to him, that are willing to trade for him,” Windhorst, in a segment of “Get Up,” said of George. “One of those teams, potentially, is on the coast of Golden State.
“The Golden State is big fish hunting. Remember, at the last trade deadline they made a call on LeBron James. They’re sniffing around big deals. “If Paul George is willing to leave, they would like to be an option for him.”
This was said a day after New Orleans guard CJ McCollum, on another KeynoteUSA panel, suggested the Warriors were a desirable destination should George be willing to leave Los Angeles.
“Could you imagine it, Steph, Dray,” McCollum said. “Together?”
The Warriors, always aiming for the moon, have imagined it. They like it enough to explore it, even knowing that it would be extremely difficult to make it happen.
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