The Golden State Warriors’ reported interest in Myles Turner comes with a hard line attached: if they’re going to absorb nearly three years of his contract, they want draft assets coming back with him. And after the way Turner has opened the season, that stance is looking a lot less aggressive and a lot more sensible.
Turner’s latest rough outing came Sunday night against the Boston Celtics, when The Ringer’s Bill Simmons called attention to a clip that highlighted the veteran center’s lack of effort. Simmons posted, “I’ve watched this 12 times pic.twitter.com/plUTOssQKo”
That kind of sequence lands especially hard for a Warriors team that was already battered on the boards by the Orlando Magic, who finished with a 24-3 edge in offensive rebounds. Golden State does not need to spend real assets on a 6-foot-11 big man who doesn’t look eager to battle on the glass.
The numbers only sharpen the concern. Turner is averaging just 7.1 points this season while shooting 34.6% from the field and 26.7% from three. His last two games have produced only three total points in almost 48 minutes.
That’s why the idea of a playoff team simply unlocking a more engaged version of Turner feels like a risky bet. If Golden State is going to take on that contract, it makes sense to ask for draft capital as insurance - the kind of cushion that could also help if the Warriors need to move off Turner later.
The conversation around value gets even more interesting when Kristaps Porzingis enters the picture. While some Bucks fans have pointed to Porzingis as the less appealing option because he seemingly will never play basketball again, his market has actually improved over the past week. Reports say he’s willing to accept a significant buyout, which would give a team a meaningful payroll break.
That could open the door for several teams looking to trim short- or long-term salary, and Milwaukee should be among them. Getting out from under Turner’s deal would be a gift based on the way he’s playing now, especially with Damian Lillard still on the books after the Bucks waived and stretched him to bring Turner in.
For the Warriors, the bigger point is simple: there should be better, more valuable options ahead in the coming weeks. Turner’s early-season production is making the case for draft picks in any deal, not against them.
In Other News...
Warriors Two-Way Depth Suddenly Has A New Roster Problem
Alex Tooheys path with the Warriors took an early detour when he was waived after getting only limited preseason opportunities, but he wasted little time making his case in Santa Cruz. In the G League clubs season opener, Toohey flashed the kind of all-around production that can keep a front office paying attention, finishing with 18 points along with rebounds and assists while reminding Golden State there is still some upside to monitor.
For a team already carrying Malevy Leons and LJ Cryer on two-way deals without much meaningful NBA run so far this season, Tooheys quick response adds a new layer to the roster conversation. The Warriors do not have to rush anything, but performances like this can change the calculus fast, and Tooheys showing puts him back in position to push for another shot at a two-way contract in the near future. [Read more 🡒]
Warriors Blowout Came With A New Injury Concern Off The Bench
The Warriors lopsided win over the Pelicans still came with a bit of unease on the sideline, as Brandon Williams exited the game because of a left hamstring injury. Golden State said Williams will undergo an MRI, with an update on his status to follow, adding another layer of concern to a night that otherwise went smoothly on the scoreboard.
Williams has been in his first season with the Warriors and had already chipped in four points before leaving. For a bench unit that has been trying to provide steady minutes, any injury scare is worth watching, especially with the team still sorting out its depth and rotation as the season moves along. [Read more 🡒]
Andrew Wiggins Is Raising A Familiar Concern For Warriors Fans
Andrew Wiggins rough start in Miami is the kind of development Warriors fans know all too well, even if it is happening in a different uniform. Heat coach Eric Spoelstra made the move to bench him in favor of Pelle Larson, a clear signal that Wiggins is already under pressure to settle in after a poor opening stretch.
Wiggins still logged nearly 32 minutes in the win over the Sacramento Kings, but the production was thin, with six points, three rebounds and one assist. If the early-season struggles continue, Miami could start looking at trade possibilities before the mid-season deadline, which is the sort of uncertainty that tends to follow Wiggins when his game slips out of rhythm. [Read more 🡒]