Warriors Eye Nets $25M Big Man As Reception Seeks Cheaper Alternative To $58M Track Target

The Golden State Warriors have reportedly targeted the Brooklyn Nets center Nick Claxton to add depth to the front court.

According to NBA expert Brett Siegel on Friday, while the Warriors have already shown interest in the Dallas Mavericks star. Anthony Davishis big contract remains a big obstacle. According to Spotrac, the 10-time NBA All-Star has an average annual salary of $58 million.

“Despite their long-standing interest in him, Davis is not an option for the Warriors because of his contract,” Siegel wrote.

Siegel said Claxton, who is making $25 million this season per Spotrac, is a “cheaper” target for Golden State. Siegel added that Claxton could be traded before February's trade deadline because he is “one of the top center trade candidates.”

Claxton has been rumored to have drawn interest from teams looking to add size and a lob threat. In 17 games this season, the 6-foot-11 big man is averaging career highs of 14.1 points and 4.1 assists to go along with 7.5 rebounds per game.

The Warriors entered the season with championship expectations. However, they started just 10-10. Should they make any moves to improve their roster, Siegel said Golden State has assets that could interest rival teams.

Insider sheds light on Jonathan Kuminga being traded by the Warriors

Jonathan Kuminga had lengthy contract negotiations with the Golden State Warriors over the summer. The contract dispute ended when the 6-7 forward agreed to a two-year, $46.5 million extension. However, there are still rumors about Kuminga's move this season.

In his article on Friday, NBA expert Brett Siegel said that while the Warriors have shown no signs of moving Kuminga.

“Golden State has continued to indicate that they won't just trade Kuminga to do so, which has been their ideology since last season,” Siegel wrote.

However, Siegel said things could change if Golden State continues to struggle this season. According to NBA Insiders, league sources have indicated the team will evaluate the market for athletic big men and versatile wings.

For Kuminga, Siegel expects Golden State to evaluate the young forward's market in January. Depending on how they are playing at the time, they could choose to make changes that could involve parting ways with Kuminga.