NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors Interested in Acquiring Bobcats’ Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
By Eric He
Jan 6, 2013; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Charlotte Bobcats small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace. Bobcats won 108-101 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
As we get closer to the NBA Draft and the beginning of free agency, the rumor mill spins faster and faster.
The latest report out there comes from Joe Kotoch of Sheridan Hoops, who says that the Charlotte Bobcats are looking to trade forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and the Golden State Warriors are interested.
Kotoch reports that the Bobcats are targeting Warriors’ forward Harrison Barnes, but it would take more than just MKG for the Warriors to give up their budding star.
Drafted second overall in the 2012 NBA Draft, Kidd-Gilchrist performed a bit under expectations, averaging 9.0 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in 78 games played for Michael Jordan’s team.
Barnes, as the seventh pick, averaged 9.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game for the Warriors.
While their stats are very similar, keep in mind that the Warriors were already loaded with the likes of Stephen Curry, David Lee, and Klay Thompson in their starting lineup, so they did not have to depend on Barnes as much.
Meanwhile, the struggling Bobcats had guys like Kemba Walker and Ramon Sessions to anchor their team. Kidd-Gilchrist had a rather inconsistent season, finishing seventh on his team in scoring.
However, keep in mind that the Warriors would likely have drafted Kidd-Gilchrist in last year’s draft, had he been available at the No. 7 pick.
It’s all talk for now, but look things to heat up in the coming weeks.