Charles Bassey gave the Warriors something on Monday night that could change how they approach the trade market.
With Golden State still dealing with the absence of veteran big man Kristaps Porzingis, reports last week linked the team to New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi. That interest made sense. But after Bassey’s showing in the 116-113 win over the Phoenix Suns, the Warriors may have a reason to slow down before chasing another center.
Bassey was a major factor in Golden State’s comeback from a 17-point first-half hole, finishing with 19 points and eight rebounds in 23 minutes. He added 10 points, six rebounds and a +11 in the second half, and his workload grew after Draymond Green was ejected early in the third quarter.
That kind of impact is the exact sort of production Golden State might be hoping to get from Missi if it eventually makes a deal for the former 21st overall pick. Missi has already shown real promise as an interior presence on both ends, including in the Pelicans’ season opener, when he posted 13 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, two steals and three blocks against the Indiana Pacers.
Still, if Bassey can keep giving the Warriors that kind of athletic rim presence, the front office has to ask whether a Missi pursuit is worth it. Missi’s rookie contract costs more than Bassey’s minimum deal, and any trade would likely mean sending out a player and possibly a draft asset.
The same logic applies to other lower-cost center options Golden State may explore with the Milwaukee Bucks. Reports about the Warriors reaching out to Milwaukee could center on veteran big man Myles Turner, but Kel’el Ware and Jericho Sims could also be part of the conversation. Even then, the question remains: would either Ware or Sims clearly top what Bassey just showed?
That doesn’t mean Missi should be off the Warriors’ radar. He still makes sense as a possible add-on piece in a bigger deal. With Porzingis’ $20 million salary available, Golden State could also look at Trey Murphy III or Herb Jones.
Murphy and Jones would likely have a bigger role in the rotation than Missi, especially in the playoffs if the Warriors get there. Missi could still matter in a larger package, particularly if the teams wind up haggling over how much draft capital changes hands.
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Gabby Williams, who earned Finals MVP honors after a 30-point effort in Game 7 against the Atlanta Dream, stood at the center of the celebration as the franchise soaked in the moment. But the atmosphere carried an awkward edge from some Warriors fans, turning what should have been a straightforward salute into a scene that said as much about the mood in the building as it did about the championship itself. [Read more 🡒]
Draymond Green Put Warriors In A Brutal Spot Against Phoenix
Draymond Greens night against Phoenix turned into a familiar kind of Warriors headache in a hurry. In the third quarter, Green was ejected after picking up two technical fouls tied to physical exchanges with Suns players Khaman Maluach and Dillon Brooks, leaving Golden State to regroup in the middle of a game it was trying to keep within reach.
Before he was sent off, Green had put together a modest line with four points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal, but his exit came at a costly moment. The Warriors were already trailing 71-62 when he left, and from there the challenge only got steeper for a team that needed his presence on both ends to steady things. [Read more 🡒]