Warriors still looking for productive alternatives off bench for likes of Curry and Thompson.
The Golden State Warriors are reportedly looking to add depth to their roster and boost their bench options ahead of the trade deadline on February 20.
Mark Jackson’s team are understood to be performing below expectations at the time of writing, as the organisation’s goal prior to the season starting was to obtain a top-four seeding in the Western Conference and the home court advantage that comes with it.
Currently, they are 31-22 for the season and have slipped down to eighth spot in the West, which leaves them asking how they can strengthen ahead of the trade deadline.
It is believed that the Golden State front office have identified that they must add options on the bench, as without Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Bogut, David Lee and Andre Iguodala on the court, they see their averages drop in all departments.
According to Sam Amick of USA Today, the Warriors are actively looking to add help to the bench and are hoping to use some of their trade exceptions as a way to facilitate any potential deals in order to keep under the tax line.
A trade exception allows Golden State to take on salary without sending salary back, which means that franchises looking to cut their salary are looking for a team such as the Warriors to do business with.
As reported by Amick, the Warriors have two sizeable trade exceptions at $9m and $4m while could aid them in doing the business that they feel is required whilst also considering their $2.5m worth of room under the tax line.
However, the report also goes further to discuss that aside from Curry, Lee and Bogut, who are all on big contracts, the Warriors aren’t necessarily ruling out trade deals for the rest of their roster.
Harrison Barnes appears to be the most likely trade bait, as Golden State look to increase the level of production coming off the bench to help their franchise players make the postseason and fulfil their expectations.
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