The Memphis Grizzlies have reportedly made Walter Clayton Jr. available in trade talks on the eve of the season, but the Golden State Warriors have no logical path to acquiring the former first-round pick in a deal despite their past interest.
The Grizzlies are looking to trim their roster to the allotted 15 players before opening night, making GG Jackson and Clayton available in trade talks according to NBA insider Jake Fischer on Thursday night.
Warriors have no logical path to Walter Clayton Jr. trade
Fischer noted that the Warriors and Miami Heat had interest in Clayton before last year‘s NBA draft, yet the Warriors were unable to trade back into the first round before the 6’4” guard was selected 18th overall by the Utah Jazz.
“I’m told, however, that the Grizzlies have been exploring potential trade markets for GG Jackson II and Walter Clayton Jr. Which is quite a turn from Memphis' original stance on Clayton. Back in February, when the Grizzlies were negotiating their return in the blockbuster Jaren Jackson Jr. trade with Utah, sources say Memphis valued Clayton quite highly. Other teams known to rate Clayton highly dating back to the draft: Golden State and Miami,” Fischer wrote.
As much as Golden State could have interest in Clayton again, a deal seems very unlikely based on what Golden State have to move. The Warriors would surely love to flip Will Richard for his former Florida national championship teammate, but their salaries don’t align as Clayton makes more as a former first-round pick.
Gui Santos makes around the same salary, but the Warriors aren’t going to move the Brazilian forward, who’s likely to be an opening night starter, for someone the Grizzlies seemingly don’t want on their 15-man roster.
The only possible path would be trading Moses Moody for Clayton and one or two other salaries that Golden State would subsequently waive, but even that wouldn’t appear to make too much sense for either team.
Warriors have to hope Grizzlies waive Walter Clayton Jr.
The only logical way the Warriors can acquire Clayton is not through trade, but to hope there isn’t a deal out there on the marketplace for the Grizzlies and that they end up waiving the 23-year-old.
While Golden State wouldn’t be able to accommodate Clayton on their main roster after confirming Brandon Williams will be part of their opening night team, they could potentially sign Clayton to a two-way contract and move on from Malevy Leons or LJ Cryer.
It’s a little frustrating that the Warriors have had interest in Clayton and that he’s now available, yet things aren’t particularly aligned for a move to happen at this juncture.
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