The Golden State Warriors are close to completing a trade that would send forward Brandan Wright and center Dan Gadzuric to the New Jersey Nets for Troy Murphy and a 2012 second round draft pick.
Murphy has been one of the more desirable names on the trade market this offseason due to his $12 million expiring contract. After Murphy was traded to the Nets from Indiana in the preseason, he fought injuries and ultimately failed to fit into coach Avery Johnson’s plans. He played just 18 games before the Nets allowed him to leave the team on January 7th and await a trade.
The Warriors will likely buy out the remainder of Murphy’s deal and he will become an unrestricted free agent. The Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, and Dallas Mavericks are all expected to express interest in signing the veteran forward.
Wright is the former number eight overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft. The 6-foot-9 forward out of North Carolina has been disappointing in his 3-year career averaging just 5.7 points and 3.0 rebounds per contest. The 23-year old will be a restricted free agent after the season.
Gadzuric has played in just 28 games this season and is averaging 2.8 points and 3.1 rebounds per contest. The 8-year veteran out of UCLA’s contract expires at the end of the season.
New Warriors owner Joe Lacob was desperate to get back a 2nd round pick after losing two consecutive 2nd rounders in the David Lee sign-and-trade. Gadzuric was expendable, while Wright wanted out. He just never made it into the rotation. Has definitely been showcased over the last 14 days, however.
I wouldn’t mind giving Murphy a try though, as we do need a big man, and he’s an expiring anyways.
New Warriors owner Joe Lacob was desperate to get back a 2nd round pick after losing two consecutive 2nd rounders in the David Lee sign-and-trade. Gadzuric was expendable, while Wright wanted out. He just never made it into the rotation. Has definitely been showcased over the last 14 days, however.
I wouldn’t mind giving Murphy a try though, as we do need a big man, and he’s an expiring anyways.
Oh and FYI, Gadzuric played college ball at UCLA.
Oh and FYI, Gadzuric played college ball at UCLA.