The Golden State Warriors' interest in a Jaren Jackson Jr. trade before February's mid-season deadline have resurfaced, and they serve to further prove just how desperate the franchise has become to acquire a big name player.
ESPN's Anthony Slater reported again on Tuesday that the Warriors "sniffed around" a Jackson trade before he was moved to the Utah Jazz, but acquiring the former Defensive Player of the Year would have been a major gamble as he begins a four-year, $205 million extension.
Jaren Jackson Jr. rumors prove how desperate Warriors have become
There's very few big name that have become available in recent years that the Warriors haven't been linked to, such is the front office's propensity to go hunting for stars even though it's almost never panned out.
The issue with Jackson is he falls in this awkward category of player in today's CBA that presents a significant risk. He'll be paid over $50 million annually over the next four years, yet has made only two All-Star appearances in his eight-year career and isn't a bonafide top 25 player in the league.
Despite giving him that extension initially, there's little doubt the Memphis Grizzlies looked at that as an issue and got out in front of it as they entered a rebuild. They landed three first-round picks from the Jazz for Jackson, cashing in on the 26-year-old at arguably the best possible time.
The Warriors acquiring Jackson would have appeased fans understandably wanting a big move, but would it have really pushed them into legitimate contention? Given Jackson isn't necessarily a top 25 player in the league, the answer is probably no.
Warriors likely to remain desperate for a big move this season
Even when they last landed a star player with Jimmy Butler at the 2025 mid-season deadline, there was a level of desperation that Golden State only got away with because the six-time All-Star had completely burned things down in Miami.
ESPN last week predicted the Warriors as the most likely team to make a big move this season, again signifying their desperation to try and build one more contender around Stephen Curry after missing the playoffs last season.
Armed with the expiring contracts of Butler and Draymond Green, along with their future draft capital, Golden State will be well placed to make a major move but will want to ensure their desperation isn't used against them in trade negotiations.
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