Darnell Mayberry of the NewsOK, also known as The Oklahoman Online, considers three big men that could possibly be of help to the Oklahoma City Thunder and one of them is the Golden State Warriors starting center Andris Biedrins. Biedrins value has dipped quite a bit in the past few seasons with his slew of industries, private feuds with Warriors then-coach Don Nelson, and his recent well-documented confidence issues. But the NewsOK seems to think that Biedrins is still the rising star that can still average double-doubles:
Andris Biedrins, Golden State: Biedrins is owed $27 million over the next three seasons, including a player option for the 2013-14 season. That’s a pretty penny for a player who’s battled injuries the last two seasons. But just two years ago, Biedrins averaged 11.9 points (on 57.8 percent shooting) and 11.2 rebounds in just 30 minutes per game. And he’s carrying a 1.2-blocked shot average for his career. Did we mention he’s still just 24?
The Thunder need additional help inside given the relative inexperience of their young guys like BJ Mullens and Cole Aldrich. But what could they even offer the Warriors? The Thunder have Morris Peterson and Nenad Krstic’s expiring contracts, which could be of some benefit to the Warriors, who apparently are already over the salary cap. At one time, the Denver Nuggets, allegedly, sought out the Warriors for a trade for Andris Biedrins. But with Biedrins recent play and his hefty contract, I’m suspecting Biedrins will not be moved anytime soon.