The Dubs turned down at least one blockbuster opportunity over the weekend.
The Golden State Warriors have not gotten the start of free agency they were hoping for. As it seems like Paul George and Klay Thompson are heading elsewhere, the Dubs had one opportunity to acquire a former All-Star wing. According to a report by Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, the Chicago Bulls reached out to the Warriors about building a deal for Zach LaVine around Andrew Wiggins or Chris Paul. The Dubs opted against pursuing that path (at least with Paul) and decided to waive him instead.
“I was told that the Chicago Bulls were trying to get something going with the Golden State Warriors,” Haynes said. “Trying to get a Zach LaVine package together. What I was told, it could have been a Zach LaVine for a Chris Paul or Andrew Wiggins. The Warriors, how it was explained to me, didn’t feel it was an adequate amount for a deal structure.”
You're welcome pic.twitter.com/21M9Wwj0mg https://t.co/kPq42HN1et
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) June 30, 2024
While some have interpreted Haynes’ comments to suggest the Warriors were offered LaVine for Paul and Andrew Wiggins, it seems like the Bulls were looking for a deal centered around just one of those players. On one hand, it makes the Dubs decision to reject a deal more perplexing. On the other, it does raise the possibility that Chicago is still attempting to acquire positive value for LaVine and was eyeing additional young pieces and/or picks, which makes Golden State’s decision more understandable. Granted, that presume the Warriors front office is still getting the benefit of doubt from fans. Given how this offseason has started, they probably will not receive that positive an interpretation from most.
LaVine would be a dynamic addition to the Warriors and an excellent replacement for Thompson in the rotation if healthy. But that if is immense. LaVine only appeared in 25 games this past season and underwent foot surgery. While he averaged over 60 games a year from 2018-2023, LaVine consistently missed time with minor injuries throughout those seasons as well.
Still, during his peak from 2019-2022, LaVine averaged 25.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game on 47.9% shooting from the field and 39.0% shooting from three. That caliber of production is hard to imagine finding elsewhere. Of course, his massive contract guarantees him around $45 million a year for the next three seasons. That has kept prospective teams away.
If the Warriors did have an opportunity to turn Paul into LaVine without adding with any of their top young pieces in the deal, there’s really no way around cheapness being the sole driver. The Dubs got nothing by waiving Paul and could’ve turned him into a dynamic wing. However, Haynes’ report is a lot more iffy than some have claimed it to be. There will need to be more reporting made public to understand what exactly the Warriors declined.
