According various media sources, the Warriors have been in trade talks with a range a teams. Allegedly, the Warriors have been interested in Memphis Grizzlies Rudy Gay, Philadelphia 76ers Andre Iguodala, and Denver Nuggets Nene in exchange for Monta Ellis.
Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury considers which rumors could make the most sense for either team and concludes that the Sixers are the likeliest partner (though by no means official) given how much they would save in salary over the couse of the next three years:
I just don’t think Philadelphia pulls the trigger on this, unless it can find no better deal for Iguodala (27), who is owed $13.5M, $14.71 and $15.9M (as a player-option).
But Kawakami brings up an interesting scenario, which involves the Minnesota Timberwolves parting with their number two pick in the 2011 NBA draft.
I’d guess the Warriors would love to have a shot at Arizona’s Derrick Williams with the 2nd pick, but the problem is, what else would they have to take from Minnesota to make the money work? Luke Ridnour? Wayne Ellington? Jonny Flynn?
I’m not sure Monta would be too thrilled to end up in Minneapolis, either.
Could the Warriors pull that off? A move like that would be another bold (symbolic) step this summer for the Warriors newly formed front office looking to distinguish the new post-Chris Cohan regime. The move would be very Jerry West-esque, possibly reminding Warrior fans of his 1996 moving of Vlade Divac for Kobe Bryant (not that Derrick Williams is the next Kobe Bryant, but more in terms of risk-taking draft night moves).