If you've been following the rumor mill, it's no secret that the Warriors have been desperately trying to move both Troy Murphy and Mike Dunleavy. In today's Warriors Notebook for SFGate.com Janny Hu adds to the fires:
That could mean a split before February's trading deadline. League sources said the Warriors have been shopping both Murphy, who has four years and $42 million left on his contract, and forward Mike Dunleavy, whom Golden State discussed with the Clippers over the summer.
With Dunleavy's father, Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy Sr., recently signing a contract extension, one source said it's likely those talks could get serious if the Clippers can clear salary space. The Clippers' Corey Maggette has already asked out of Los Angeles, as has veteran forward P.J. Brown in Chicago.
The Warriors also need to move contracts if they want to avoid paying a luxury tax with Mickael Pietrus entering free agency this summer and Andris Biedrins due for a contract extension.
None of this should surprise you, but it speaks volumes when the local media is covering the rumors as well. It's one thing for a reporter in Chicago or Boston to talk about the Warriors trying to make deals, but another when it's from a Bay Area source. There's definitely some truth in the Warriors trying hard to move Murphy and Dunleavy.
You have to feel for a guy like Troy Murphy. Unlike Adonal Foyle and Dunleavy, Murph has vastly improved his game since coming here his rookie season. He's been nothing but professional, yet he finds his name dragged in the trade rumors nearly every day. The Warriors front office deserves some censure for the way they've handled TMurph over the past year. Either trade him or don't trade him. Make a decision and quit disrespecting him. This can't be good for his confidence or team chemistry.
Given their excessive contracts, on-court performance in Nellieball, and looming decisions on Andris Biedrins, Monta Ellis, and Mickael Pietrus, it's obvious why the Warriors would want to move Murphy and Dunleavy. Good luck finding a trading partner though.
A year from now on December 22, 2007 do you think both Murphy and Dunleavy will be in Warriors blue, yellow, and Golden Gate orange?
Also head on over to loyal GSoM community member OaktownFunk's diary Murphy doesn't fit in? Jrich out on Saturday? for more discussion on this topic.