Rounding up all Warriors and NBA related news for Friday, June 28th.
The Golden State Warriors added three new players at the conclusion of this year’s NBA Draft. First, they traded their second round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder for guard Lindy Waters III. Then they reacquired their second round pick to select big man Quinten Post 52nd overall. Finally, they capped the day off by signing undrafted free agent Reece Beekman.
The three add to a promising young core featuring Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Trayce Jackson-Davis. Dunleavy remains very high on this group, insisting that their development is the team’s best path forward to major improvement.
However, if it really came down to it, what would it take for Dunleavy to trade a member of the core? In his post-draft press conference, Dunleavy explains it would have to be an offer that would “unequivocally” change the outlook of the team.
For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Friday, June 28th:
Kuminga and fellow members of Golden State’s young core – Trayce Jackson-Davis, Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski – might not be on the market – but general manager Mike Dunleavy made it apparent that none is untouchable.
That any or all of them might be moved for the right return.
“It would have to be something that we felt would unequivocally change the trajectory of our franchise,” Dunleavy said.
Like Trayce Jackson-Davis, taken a year ago in the second round, Post is an experienced player who already is 24 years old. Even if his upside isn’t sky-high, Post immediately is the Warriors’ biggest player and brings more shooting, Golden State’s biggest need after years of revolutionizing the long ball.
There was confusion and an odd waiting period, but Post looks to be a player who fits the Warriors’ system and won’t take too long to make an impact once he earns his opportunities.
Grade: B+
Mike Dunleavy said “it’s possible” the Warriors and Chris Paul push back his $30 million guarantee date. It is tomorrow.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) June 28, 2024
“We’ve got another 24 hours” pic.twitter.com/AulT2XgLQV
The Paul George possibility looms. His opt-in or opt-out deadline is Saturday. Word is he wants his full max. With the Warriors, an opt-in and max out would add four years and $221.5 million to his current deal. But, regarding the current cap gymnastics, he’d be at $48.7 million for next season. Under the new CBA restrictions, to avoid being capped at the first apron ($178.6 million), the Warriors would need to send out more than that in a deal.
Mike Dunleavy explains the process behind trading the No. 52 pick and then reacquiring it pic.twitter.com/pVu6bdyjj3
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) June 28, 2024
After the Lakers delivered their decision, LeBron led the group in a champagne toast to commemorate the occasion, a source told ESPN, and was “very emotional” considering the weight of the moment.
“In the history of the NBA, there’s never been a father and a son that have shared an NBA basketball court and that feels like something that could be magical,” Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka said. “We know, and have to respect of course, that LeBron has a decision on his opt-out ... but if it worked out that he was on our team next season, NBA history could be made. And NBA history should be made in a Lakers uniform.”
Leonard missed 12 of the LA Clippers’ final 14 games this past season with right knee inflammation. Haliburton was hampered at the end of the Indiana Pacers’ playoff run by issues with his left hamstring. And Embiid was dealing with left knee issues throughout his season with the Philadelphia 76ers.
“We expect everybody to be good to go,” U.S. coach Steve Kerr said Thursday. “We’ve been in touch with everyone, not just those three guys. … We’ve been in communication constantly, so we expect all 12 guys to be ready to roll.”
The 2024 #NBADraft presented by State Farm is complete! pic.twitter.com/XOmQb0JefD
— NBA (@NBA) June 28, 2024
Beyond the Milwaukee connection, it’s easy to see how Beekman is a fit on a two-way deal with the Dubs. He’s only 6’1” but he’s a monster athlete and a great point-of-attack defender, winning the ACC Defensive Player of the Year award the last two seasons. Beekman can be a disruptive presence on defense, and maintained an assist-to-turnover ratio of 3:1 for his last three college seasons.
Quinten Post extended Boston College's season with a huge ACC tournament performance -- 30 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists and some big plays defensively for the Dutch 7-footer. 2nd team All-ACC, shooting 44% for 3. Will surely be on an NBA roster in some capacity next year. pic.twitter.com/kOEoeu3MwO
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) March 13, 2024
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