Lacking 1st and 2nd round picks in the 2012 NBA Draft, the Warriors are definitely looking for some second rounds pick if anything, reports Marcus Thompson II:
Golden State already has a 2011 first-round pick that they cannot trade (because 2012 is going to New Jersey in that Marcus Williams deal). And they have two second-round picks in 2011 (one from Chicago in C.J. Watson deal and one from Nets in Anthony Morrow deal). But the Warriors don’t have any picks in 2012 (first-rounder is top-7 protected), as their second-rounder is now in Denver via New York.
As Akis Yerocostas reported earlier, the Warriors are also thinking about buying out Troy Murphy’s contract, allowing several playoff-bound teams (Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, etc.) stockpile talent for that final push. But Larry Riley is intent on somehow upgrading the Warriors future and may try to secure at the bare minimum some second round picks if possible by repackaging Troy Murphy. Mark Cuban is known to overspend to extend what may be the twilight of their playoff chances. Perhaps the Mavs would be willing to part with their first round pick for 2012? I guess we can’t complain that Riley is trying to do something with what little leverage he has right now.
And does anyone find it interesting that a former Warriors (not named Joe Smith), has become a desirable veteran for a playoff team? Does this officially mean Troy Murphy’s career as a capable starting stretch-power forward is officially over? Is he the next Kurt Thomas?