The Golden State Warriors had interest in Rodney Hood. However, the Portland Trail Blazers jumped the gun and snagged the shooting guard.
It was reported by Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor that the Golden State Warriors had at least some interest in trading for Rodney Hood. They were more likely to aggressively pursue the guard if he were bought out.
The way Fedor phrased it made it seem that the Warriors truly only wanted Hood if he was bought out.
"Golden State Warriors are keeping an eye on Hood as well, according to sources. But that may be more in case Hood becomes a buyout candidate."
Just a few hours after Fedor’s report, the Cleveland Cavaliers traded Rodney Hood to the Portland Trail Blazers. In return, the Cavaliers received Nik Stauskas, Wade Baldwin, and two future second-round picks, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
It makes sense why Rodney Hood was on the Dubs radar. He’s a 6-foot-7 shooting guard on an expiring contract. He’s making under $4 million this season and becomes a free agent at the end of the season.
Averaging 12.2 points per game and 1.2 threes per game, Hood would give the Warriors bench additional playmaking and shooting. The 26-year-old bet on himself this past offseason, and it may pay off if he can make his presence known in Portland.
Up until this trade, Hood hadn’t quite earned himself a large contract this offseason. Shooting under 45% from the field, Hood hasn’t shown an ability to be effective as a leader of a successful team.
Given his expiring contract, Hood would’ve helped the Cavs clear cap space, especially if they could’ve traded Shaun Livingston or any other player under contract next year. While that specific. trade would’ve been unlikely, the Warriors certainly could’ve benefited from bringing in Hood.
The Warriors don’t need Hood to be elite, but this interest does show that Golden State might try to enhance their roster near the deadline. That said, who else should the Warriors target within the next week?