Speculation on Nikola Jokic's future may rise if the Denver Nuggets struggle to open the season, but the possibility of the three-time MVP hitting free agency won't matter to the Golden State Warriors if they trade Kristaps Porzingis for an alternative center.
The Warriors are facing an intirguing decision over the coming weeks and months. They clearly need to find a starting quality big man sooner rather than later, but they'll also need to balance that with the value of cap space in free agency next year.
Kristaps Porzingis trade would all but end faint Nikola Jokic dream
Jokic posted another 35 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists against the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night, helping his team recover from what would have been an embarrassing defeat on their home floor.
Despite getting away with an overtime win, the Nuggets don't look convincing to open the season after being kept to just 84 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday. While Jokic has stated that he'll be re-signing with Denver in the offseason, rival teams will hold onto faint hope that the Nuggets crumble enough to the point where the superstar center reconsiders his stance.
The Warriors might be one of those teams with cap space who hold faint hope, but a Porzingis trade in the coming weeks or months could erase their free agency flexibility and a chance at chasing Jokic were his mindset to shift.
The most likely scenario is that Porzingis is moved in a trade that brings back a player with multiple years left on their deal. Given Porzingis' only element of value comes from being an expiring deal, there's a chance Golden State may have to take back a contract that isn't overly valuable. Myles Turner, for example, has already been mentioned as a potential target for the Warriors.
Warriors have to assess value of trade vs. free agency
Golden State face important decisions over the next nine months that will dictate the outlook on their future over the next two or three years (and potentially longer). Do they use expiring contracts and draft capital to make a big move before the deadline, or take their chances at luring a notable name or two in free agency where they won't have to give up assets?
The center position, in particular, is fascinating given Porzingis is clearly not the answer and may never play again. There should be center options on the trade market before the deadline, but none of them will be as appealing as Jokic or even Karl-Anthony Towns who can also become a free agent in the summer.
Can the Warriors go the entire season without a starting quality center though? That's what they'll be forced to weigh up over the coming months before February's deadline.
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