Warriors Have Surprising Stance on Former Trade Target Amid Porzingis Saga

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Warriors Have Surprising Stance on Former Trade Target Amid Porzingis Saga

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 17: Kristaps Porzingis #7 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 17, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) Getty

Alder Almo · HEAVY

Thu, November 5, 2026 at 1:45 AM UTC ·

5 min read

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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 07: Myles Turner #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks is fouled by Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter at Chase Center on January 07, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) Getty

Kristaps Porzingis leaves the arena following a Warriors game. Golden State is reportedly nearing a new contract with the veteran center while continuing to explore additional frontcourt upgrades in free agency. Getty

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 30: Myles Turner #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum on October 30, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) Getty

The Golden State Warriors need frontcourt help, but that doesn't mean they're ready to revisit every big man they've pursued in the past.

Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner is not among Golden State's preferred trade targets as the franchise explores ways to move Kristaps Porzingis' contract, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.

Fischer reported Wednesday that the Warriors previously expressed interest in Turner during his time with the Indiana Pacers. However, the financial commitment required to acquire him now has changed their thinking.

Turner is earning approximately $26 million this season and is under contract through the 2028-29 season.

The Warriors, meanwhile, are trying to preserve financial flexibility while finding a solution to Porzingis' uncertain future.

Warriors Have Reservations About Myles Turner Trade

Milwaukee Bucks v Golden State Warriors — Getty Myles Turner of the Milwaukee Bucks is fouled by Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter at Chase Center on January 07, 2026 in San Francisco, California.

According to Fischer, Golden State would want additional compensation from Milwaukee before seriously considering a Turner deal.

That could include draft picks or other incentives to offset the remaining money on his contract.

Turner, 30, would address several of Golden State's immediate needs.

The former Pacers center provides shot-blocking, floor spacing and experience playing alongside high-level offensive creators.

He would also offer a more traditional frontcourt presence alongside Draymond Green.

However, the Warriors are reluctant to commit significant money beyond this season unless they believe the incoming player can improve their long-term outlook.

Golden State has been positioning itself for financial flexibility in the summer of 2027, when Jimmy Butler and Green's current contracts are scheduled to expire.

That makes Turner's contract considerably less appealing than it was when he earned less than $20 million annually in Indiana.

Kristaps Porzingis Contract Complicates Golden State's Plans

Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis leaves an arena following an NBA game. — Getty Kristaps Porzingis leaves the arena following a Warriors game. Golden State has stopped paying the veteran center amid his continued absence from the team due to unexplained health-related issue.

The Warriors have stopped paying Porzingis while he remains away from the team because of an unresolved health-related matter.

The veteran center is owed $20 million this season, with only $3 million of next season's $20 million salary guaranteed.

According to Fischer, Golden State is prepared to trade Porzingis immediately if a suitable deal emerges.

The Warriors structured his contract with flexibility in mind, ensuring he would be eligible to be traded immediately rather than waiting until Dec. 15.

However, finding a suitable trade partner could prove difficult.

Few teams are eager to make significant roster changes this early in the season, particularly when the proposed return involves a player whose future availability remains uncertain.

Golden State hopes to acquire a serviceable frontcourt player on an expiring contract, potentially preserving the ability to make another move before February's trade deadline.

The organization would prefer to complete an initial deal by mid-December to maintain that flexibility.

Warriors Prioritize Financial Flexibility Over Myles Turner

Golden State Warriors v Milwaukee Bucks — Getty Myles Turner of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum on October 30, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Golden State's reluctance to pursue Turner reflects a broader strategy.

The Warriors want to improve their roster around Stephen Curry without sacrificing the spending flexibility they have been building toward 2027.

Fischer reported that the organization remains willing to surrender draft capital and take on future salary if the right player becomes available.

But Turner apparently doesn't meet that threshold at his current price.

Meanwhile, Golden State has recovered from a 0-3 start with five consecutive victories, fueled partly by rookie Yaxel Lendeborg's emergence.

That winning streak has reduced the immediate urgency surrounding the team's frontcourt situation.

Still, the Warriors face a difficult decision with Porzingis' contract.

Turner might offer the size and defensive presence Golden State needs, but the financial cost appears too steep without additional compensation from Milwaukee.

For now, the Warriors would rather preserve their options than commit long-term money to a familiar trade target.

This article was originally published on HEAVY

The post Warriors Have Surprising Stance on Former Trade Target Amid Porzingis Saga appeared first on HEAVY .

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