If LeBron James ends up choosing the Golden State Warriors, Moses Moody’s future with the team suddenly looks a lot shakier - but not because the wing has no market.
The tougher part for Golden State is emotional as much as financial. Moody is widely liked inside the organization, and moving him this offseason would sting in basketball terms. Still, the Warriors may need to clear his contract to make room if James decides to join them in free agency.
What’s changed is the outlook on what a Moody deal might actually look like. Instead of having to sweeten the pot just to get off his money, the Warriors may have real interest from other teams, even with his injury situation and the possibility that he misses all of next season.
Tim Kawakami of the San Fransisco Standard said he no longer expects Golden State to need to attach extra draft capital to move Moody’s contract.
“I went into the free-agent period believing the Warriors might have to attach future second-round picks to get off of Moody’s salary but have heard lately that there are teams expressing interest in him,” Kawakami wrote.
Moody is owed $12.5 million next season and $13.4 million in 2027-28, a deal that could make sense for a rebuilding club willing to wait through his recovery from a torn patella tendon injury. That kind of team would have time to let him rehab, then potentially get a full season out of him before his contract runs out.
Before the injury in March, Moody was putting together the best season of his career. The former No. 14 pick was averaging 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.0 steal while shooting 40.1% from 3-point range.
There’s also another wrinkle: Golden State might be able to bring back a player in a Moody deal instead of just dumping salary. Depending on what James and Draymond Green are willing to take on their contracts, the Warriors could move Moody - and possibly picks - for someone earning roughly half that amount or less.
A sign-and-trade could be in play too, with Golden State potentially using Moody to land a current free agent on a multi-year deal, though that would require interest from the player’s old team or a third team.
In the end, this appears to hinge on James. If the four-time MVP signs with the Warriors, Moody is almost certain to be moved. If James goes back to the Cleveland Cavaliers or lands elsewhere, Moody may end up staying put.
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