The Golden State Warriors are mired in mediocrity ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. Despite Stephen Curry dropping 60 points on Saturday, Golden State fell to 21-25 on the season via a 141-134 loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
Pressure is squarely on general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. to get something done before the trade deadline. The status quo just is not working right now.
One potential acquisition is not happening after news that Chicago Bulls wing Zach LaVine is lost for the remainder of the season due to a foot injury. Golden State had been linked to the All-Star.
We now have a bit more information on the Warriors’ trade deadline plans. K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago reports that the Warriors are among the teams that have inquired about Bulls guard Alex Caruso ahead of the deadline.
Johnson notes that the Bulls had previously “rebuffed” interest in the veteran guard due to an internal belief that they can compete for a playoff spot back east. It remains to be seen whether the LaVine injury news changes the dynamics in Chicago.
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Caruso, 29, is averaging 10.0 points and 3.6 rebounds while shooting a stellar 41% from three-point range on the season.
The idea for Golden State would be to add one of the better perimeter defenders in the NBA to the mix. It would take some of the onus off the aforementioned Curry on that end of the court.
The veteran is earning $9.4 million per season on his current contract with Chicago. It remains to be seen what the Bulls might demand in a trade with Golden State. A young player such as guard Moses Moody would make sense as a starting-off point. But the Warriors would have to add another contract to the mix to make the salaries work. Gary Payton II would make sense in that regard.