Blinksportsnews247The Golden State Warriors did not take any significant action to split apart its core, despite rumors that “everyone except Stephen Curry” felt that way.
Even a trade involving the talented two-way guard Alex Caruso, who may have strengthened the Warriors’ point-of-attack and perimeter defense, was shelved.
Prior to it even getting off the ground, the Warriors put an end to it, according to KC Johnson of NBC Sports-Chicago.
“League sources said that the Bulls asked about Jonathan Kuminga’s availability during exploratory trade talks with the Golden State Warriors that focused on Caruso.” Johnson reported on February 8 that the Bulls had rejected that and had made it plain in conversations with other clubs that they didn’t want to deal Caruso, especially for a package that may include other young players like Moses Moody.
Caruso, who was a member of the NBA All-Defensive First Team the previous season, signed a $37 million, four-year contract with the Bulls in 2021, but only has a half guarantee of income for the following season.
Kuminga Jonathan Was “virtually” impenetrable
The third-year forward Kuminga was able to join Curry as an untouchable in any deal because to his recent outstanding play.
Through The Athletic, Dunleavy stated, “Virtually.” As untouchable as guys in this league can be, really. Undoubtedly, he is at that level. After this deadline, I didn’t see how Jonathan would not be a member of our team.
Since December 6 of last year, Kuminga has scored ten or more goals in 29 consecutive games. The 21-year-old, who was formerly selected by lottery, has improved. He shot 57.7% from the field and averaged 18.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists throughout this time. He has developed as their finest attacker, a wonderful foil for Curry’s long-range shooting.
The Warriors ultimately only made one little move at the trade deadline.
To make room on the roster, they dealt end-of-rotation player Cory Joseph to the Indiana Pacers for $5.8 million in exchange for a 2024 second-round selection. Lester Quiñones, a two-way player who has performed well during the team’s five-game road trip, might be converted to avoid $8 million in tax penalties, according to John Hollinger of The Athletic.
Warriors Win Three in a Row
Warriors coach Steve Kerr often defended his underachieving team, thinking that despite their record, they were capable of something exceptional.
They won four of their five games on the road, including three straight, proving he was correct.
Following Thursday’s trade deadline, Curry scored 42 points to turn around a dismal 9-point performance in Philadelphia, helping the Warriors defeat the Indiana Pacers 131-109.
They have won five of their previous six games, and they are feeling more and more confident as they prepare to play the hot Phoenix Suns (31–21), who are also riding a three-game winning streak, at home on Saturday.
Following the victory, Curry told reporters, “The challenge is to not get too far ahead of yourself, thinking you can just show up and win games.” “We still have a long way to go before we have some playoff security.”
Situated just one game behind the 9th-place Los Angeles Lakers (27-26), the 24-25 Warriors are virtually tied with the 26-27 Utah Jazz for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference.
After making just one of his previous four 3-point attempts against the 76ers the previous evening, Curry scored 27 points in the first half. He finished with his fifth 40-point performance of the year, including a career-high 11 3-pointers.
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