Warriors delay sending first-rounder to Nets
Although the Golden State Warriors sent two second-round picks to the New Jersey Nets in order to delay giving up a first-rounder to New Jersey, that doesn't mean Stephen Jackson is leaving the Bay Area anytime soon.
The Warriors were able to push back the delivery of a previously traded, lottery-protected first-round pick one year to 2012, NBA sources told Yahoo! Sports. The pick had been sent to the Nets in July 2008 in exchange for guard Marcus Williams, who signed with the Memphis Grizzlies as a free agent this offseason.
For agreeing to delay receiving the first-rounder from Golden State, the Nets will acquire two future second-round picks from the Warriors. The first-round pick originally was lottery protected in 2011. It now has lesser protection for 2012, though sources did not reveal in detail the exact level of protection.
The move allows the Warriors more time and flexibility to package their 2011 first-round pick in a deal, if they so choose. A source, however, said Golden State currently does not have any potential trades on the horizon – including anything involving disgruntled forward Jackson.
Jackson was fined $25,000 by the NBA last week for telling Dime Magazine in August that he wanted to be traded from the Warriors. The Warriors have stated that they expect Jackson to be a part of the team and arrive at training camp.
While a source said the Warriors are open to dealing Jackson, his contract – with four years and $35 million remaining – makes moving him difficult.
Jackson averaged a team-best 20.7 points, 6.5 assists and 5.1 rebounds for Golden State last season.
