The Warriors are actively scouting trade partners for Kristaps Porzingis after the 7’3″ big man announced a step back from the game, according to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer in their latest Stein Line piece.
Golden State hopes to finalize a move before Dec. 16, banking on Porzingis’ limited next‑season guarantee and his openness to a buyout to sweeten a potential deal. That date marks the final day they can add a player via trade and re‑bundle contracts before the Feb. 11 deadline.
The team could also buy out Porzingis themselves if the price tag from suitors proves steep. While draft assets remain on the table, Golden State will be picky about any incoming talent, Stein and Fischer note.
The duo adds that Moses Moody won’t be part of a mid‑season trade, as the Warriors still expect him to contribute once he’s healthy.
Additional notes from Stein’s latest newsletter:
- The Kings shocked the league by sending Nique Clifford to the Thunder for two second‑round picks. Multiple clubs, including the Pacers, Nuggets and Lakers, showed interest, but Oklahoma’s haul of quality picks and a trade exception that fits under the luxury tax made the deal irresistible. Prior to the move, Sacramento owned no second‑rounders from 2028‑33. The Thunder’s exception stemmed from the Aaron Wiggins trade to Atlanta, Fischer reports via Twitter. In my view, the Kings made a savvy move.
- One free‑agent point guard the Kings could target is Gabe Vincent. The 30‑year‑old logged 4.4 points in 16.6 minutes per game across stints with the Lakers and Hawks last season.
- Another name on Sacramento’s radar is Kevin Porter Jr., cut by the Bucks in mid‑October. If the Kings look elsewhere, Portland and the Heat may swoop. The Blazers, despite deep guard depth, could consider him given recent injuries, while his experience with Giannis Antetokounmpo might appeal to Miami, though finances pose a hurdle.
- Before signing former Knick Kevin McCullar Jr. to a two‑way contract, the Raptors weighed using that slot on free‑agent point guard Rob Dillingham. Waived by Charlotte after the Buddy Hield trade to Chicago, will the Raptors sign Dillingham after all?