The Golden State Warriors have more centers than they know what to do with, but it looks like they may be in the market for another. The Warriors have “expressed interest” in Knicks big man Kyle O’Quinn, according to a report by Ian Begley of ESPN.
“Starting center Enes Kanter and backup center Kyle O’Quinn also have received interest from opposing executives, sources said, with members of the Golden State Warriors among those executives to express interest in 27-year-old big man O’Quinn.
“‘O’Quinn has certainly outperformed his contract,” said David Jacober, a strategic planning consultant for NBA teams. “His diversity on offense makes him attractive to a number of teams, such as Houston and Golden State.’”
It seems likely that the Warriors would attempt to swap at least one or two of their current big men — possibly JaVale McGee who has been a part of trade rumors for a couple weeks — in a trade for O’Quinn. O’Quinn, 27, is averaging 6.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1 block per game in 17 minutes this season. The advanced numbers are kind to O’Quinn, who is ranked eighth among centers in NBA real-plus minus, and 11th in defensive real-plus minus.
O’Quinn is under contract with the Knicks through next season — though he has a player option — where he is owed a little over $4.2 million.
The Warriors will face off against O’Quinn and the Knicks (21-26) Tuesday night.
