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I give credit of this find to fellow Griz fan and a co-creator of blog 3ShadesofBlue Spartacus who pointed this out on "main" Griz board.

San Francisco Chronicle

The Warriors are looking to improve their team's passing and all-around savvy, and one option is signing Oakland native Gary Payton out of retirement to play for his hometown team.

Though questions surround Payton, 39, who hasn't played since last season, sources say there has been enough mutual interest on both sides to merit recent conservations, and Mullin didn't exactly dismiss the possibility.

"I mean, again, there's a lot of different scenarios we're going to look at, probably more guards and bigs than swings," Mullin said when asked directly about Payton.

Payton's agent, Aaron Goodwin, declined to comment.

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Stoudamire...Payton...guys who'd slid..finally bottomed out-yet feel entitled? Yeah..can't get enough of that.

I'd like to find a guy useful now and maybe more use in the future rather than a guy not very useful now and worth less with every tick of the clock.

I think this was a very viable option and still might be in Mullin's eyes, but it's up to Watson now. If the guy can contribute immediately, I don't think the Warriors pursue Payton or Stoudamire.

No thanks. We can't afford to retain Stoudamire through next season for nearly $5 million (or even $2.5 if he doesn't meet incentives). We have way too many free agents to worry about.

We'll wait until you guys buy him out instead of trading our expiring contracts for him

When you said "setup" I thought u meant like 2pac.

I don't think we're going to go the route with those players, but if we had Payton, we'd be the most demonstative team in the league starting riots in 43 nations and pillaging in 20 others

I for one would love to have Damon! He'd represent a true upgrade to the roster, while Watson may or may not. And Watson is up right now for 10 days, so no one should think he's a sure thing to stick, and the Warriors won't be looking for another PG soon.

In fact, maybe taking a flyer on Watson is the "what have we got to lose?" moment before the Warriors decide, yep, looks like we need to take on some more salary in order to get the help we need.

A not at all unreasonable two years, something like $5-$7 mil left on his contract... the Warriors have the ability to take that hit and still do what they need to do with their existing players they want to keep.

Only question is what does Memphis want in return? They don't need Damon, but say they won't pay him to play elsewhere (e.g., buy him out). They could use some cap relief. No fan likes to lose a player for "cap savings" (Adonal-like exceptions aside) but the Warriors shouldn't offer any more than that to get him.

Warriors really, really need to get deeper. Their bench guys have been disappointing for the most part, and the really young guys aren't ready yet. Baron needs to play less, without coach worrying about the bottom falling out while he is on the bench.

Barring a bigger trade involving the Warriors' existing contributors or prospects, what are the options? McCleod (I can say that safely now)?

Watson is low-risk, but let's be real - chances are his ceiling is not too high. Payton is probably washed up. J-Will is broken down and expensive.

By all means, let's have a look at Watson. But if the Warriors could add Damon without losing any of their current players, they should do it!

LOL. When I said "setup", I was mainly referring to the agent trying to get one of his clients on your team.

As far as a deal goes, most Griz fans have been in agreement of a Stoudamire/Warrick for Pietrus/O'Bryant trade.

jrhester wrote:Barring a bigger trade involving the Warriors' existing contributors or prospects, what are the options? McCleod (I can say that safely now)?

You can... but shouldn't, no sense risking it! (I think he just signed to play overseas anyway. )

We already heard all of that but thanks for sharing.

If Pietrus keeps playing like he did against the Spurs we might wanna keep him.

Floppy has stated that Pietrus is not gonna get dealt this year. The Warriors might be better served to use his salary coming off the books towards other players in the upcoming offseason.

Not sure if he goes or not, but Don is certainly been using him lately and he is playing better. Some great blocked shots.

Bluntamire is too small. the first time he gets posted up by opposing team Nellie will yank him for good.

-bob- wrote:Bluntamire is too small. the first time he gets posted up by opposing team Nellie will yank him for good.

What if the Warriors made a play for Sam Cassel?

He's already stated he'd like to play in Denver next year - he's all but gone from the Clips.

He's an expiring contract, and I believe on trade checker he works straight up for the trade exception we have.

The questions are: 1. what would the Warriors have to give up (besides the exception in a separate trade)? 2. woud Sam I am accept a role off the bench for a team possibly headed to the playoffs? 3. Would he fit in with the Warriors from a team chemistry/talent perspective? and 4. Would Cohan pay the extra money for a half season rental?

How about

deal 1
Sam Cassell for trade exception

deal 2
Clippers 2nd round pick for the Warriors 1st (lottery protected for the next couple of years until it is either used or vests into $$ like that Philly pick we were suppose to get a few years back did)

That trade essentially works out to the Warriors giving up a pick hopefully in the 18-22 range for a half season rental that would give us quite a lift for the playoff push/playoffs.

Clippers get a 1st round pick, and a trade exception, along with cost cutting during a down season.

Baron/Sam I am
Monta/Azu
SJax/Barnes
Harrington/Wright
Biedrins/POB

Sure I know Sam might not want to back up Baron, but if Baron plays 33 mins a game, that leaves Sam 15 at backup point, plus you could slide Baron over to SG for 10 mins and get Sam 25 mpg altogether.

oh hell yeah, I forgot all about Sam I Am. is he healthy though? Mully said he doesn't want another THud waiting to happen.

Not trading a 1st rd pick for 45 games of Sam Cassell as our 10mpg PG.

I've got to question Damon Stoudemire's smarts. You don't walk through the airport metal detectors with something that DOESN'T go "ding" wrapped in something that DOES go "ding".

-bob- wrote:oh hell yeah, I forgot all about Sam I Am. is he healthy though? Mully said he doesn't want another THud waiting to happen.

Sam's been playin lately but he would be the first one to admit that he's not able to go 35 minutes per unless it's the playoffs. So it's perfect for us.

Personally I'd let a first round pick go if I'm getting back a second.

Were a playoff team hopefully with Sam, so the pick isn't quite as important as it might otherwise be.

I love Sam and his mentality fits perfect with Baron/Jax.

I don't see it happening but man he'd be an awesome pickup.