The Golden State Warriors face familiar questions regarding roster management and past departures as analysts explore potential trade scenarios ahead of the NBA season. A newly floated proposal has suggested that the franchise could reunite with seven-footer Quinten Post in a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, a maneuver that immediately recalls the painful personnel cycle surrounding Gary Payton II four years ago.
The framework, outlined by league observers, centers on the Grizzlies holding a substantial $28.8 million traded player exception that could be utilized to absorb salary if paired with necessary draft capital. Under this hypothetical scenario, the Warriors would swap Kristaps Porzingis for Post, effectively reversing an offseason decision that saw Golden State sign Porzingis to a two-year, $40 million extension while declining to match a three-year, $30 million offer sheet from Memphis for Post.
Executing such a trade to rectify an offseason misstep carries significant drawbacks, not least of which is the likely requirement of sacrificing a first-round draft pick. Critics of the idea point out that the Warriors could have simply retained Post by letting Porzingis walk in free agency, potentially at a figure lower than the restricted free agent sheet he ultimately accepted from Memphis. Spending valuable draft capital to correct their own front office error would represent a tough pill to swallow for a franchise protective of its future assets.
Furthermore, league context suggests this type of arrangement is unlikely given Post’s current trajectory. While Post is valued for his skill set, he is not currently viewed as a starting-quality center who can be immediately plugged into the opening five. The Grizzlies possess a documented history of weaponizing trade exceptions to take on salary in exchange for draft compensation, making them a natural partner for salary-dumping mechanics, but a direct swap for Post presents distinct roster limitations.
Flipping Porzingis—who carries a $20 million salary—for Post would arguably represent a step backward for a Golden State frontcourt currently dealing with a diminished rotation at the center position. While the franchise undoubtedly misses Post’s presence, analysts argue that the team requires a definitive upgrade at the center position rather than a lateral or backward move, even when factoring in potential luxury tax savings.
True starting-quality centers across the league often command salaries higher than Porzingis’ figure, meaning any major upgrade would likely require attaching additional contracts to a deal. Consequently, while Memphis and its $28.8 million exception remain an intriguing vehicle for shedding salary, front office experts suggest the Warriors would be better served exploring the Grizzlies as a third-party facilitator to land a starting-caliber big man from elsewhere.
