The Warriors are still working the trade market, but Moses Moody appears to be staying off the table for now.
Golden State has been linked to veteran center Kristaps Porzingis, and Porzingis’ willingness to accept a significant buyout could widen the team’s options. Even so, NBA insiders Jake Fischer and Marc Stein reported Sunday night that the Warriors are hesitant to include Moody in any deal.
“We’re also told that the Warriors are determined to keep Moses Moody out of any in-season trade business if possible, believing that both Moody and Butler can make successful returns from their respective knee injuries at some point in the second half of the season,” Stein and Fischer wrote.
That stance makes sense. Moody is on a $12.5 million salary, and moving him now would amount to selling low while he works back from injury. He could return within the next two months, which only strengthens Golden State’s case for patience.
Moody also may be more valuable to the Warriors than he gets credit for. Before his devastating injury last season, the 24-year-old started 49 of his 60 games and put up a career-best 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists while shooting 40.1% from deep.
That kind of production matters. Moody has the size and skill set to defend at the point of attack, and he’s also a high-level three-point shooter. In other words, he fits the mold of a valuable three-and-D wing on a good contract.
There’s a limit to how far Golden State can stretch its trade package without him, though. If the Warriors chase a player earning more than $25 million, Moody would likely have to be included, especially with his salary and Porzingis’ combined number reaching $32.5 million.
But the reporting suggests Golden State is leaning toward a smaller swing, likely for a player under $20 million and probably another center rather than a wing or forward. That lines up with the idea that Butler and Moody are both expected back later in the season.
For now, the Warriors are treating Moody like a player worth keeping, not a piece to flip in a rushed deal. Given his age, his contract and what he showed before the injury against the Dallas Mavericks in March, that approach is easy to understand.
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