The Golden State Warriors have been in the market for backcourt depth for a few weeks now. Several point guards and shooting guards are on the blocks and the Warriors are considering all options. The team looked to be in serious play for point guard Kyle Lowry, beginning negotiations with the Toronto Raptors. However, that interest is reportedly dead following perceived locker room issues.
NBA Insider Ric Bucher reports the Golden State Warriors have stopped their pursuit of Lowry after feeling like he had character issues that were not wanted on the team. Bucher writers, "The Warriors' search to bolster their bench-particularly with another backup point guard-led them to seriously consider Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry, a league source said, but concerns about how Lowry, a soon-to-be free agent, would fit into their locker room prompted them to pass. Golden State's unselfish camaraderie is both rare and a decided advantage."
Lowry has never been considered to be a real locker room problem. The only reports about the point guard are due to his request for more playing time, not being too fond of coming off the bench especially in a contract year. The Warriors are not looking for a starter, so that could have played a heavy role.
The Raptors have since said they intend to keep Lowry on the roster as the team has made an unexpected run in the Eastern Conference. Trading Lowry would make Toronto poised for a rebuilding year, while keeping him helps the team remain playoff contenders through the second half of the season.
The Warriors are still interested in backcourt help. This could make a trade for Andre Miller happen quickly. If the Warriors felt like Lowry was a locker room issue, Miller's reputation should scare the team away. The Denver Nuggets have yet to insert the veteran point guard back into the lineup after a reported fight with head coach Brian Shaw. The 37-year-old has been on paid leave since New Year's Day despite Shaw saying the two's relationship is fine. Miller would fit the bench needs for Golden State.
The Boston Celtics are also attempting to trade backup point guard Jordan Crawford and USA Today Sports has mentioned Golden State in the five teams interested. Rajon Rondo is set to return to the court by Friday. Crawford has excelled while filling in for the All-Star and has increased his value in the trade market.
The last option could be a deal for Jimmer Fredette. The Sacramento Kings have made him available in a trade for Miller. If that falls through, the Warriors could certainly get into talks with them. The team seems set on adding another player to boost the roster for a run through the Western Conference. They have until February to make a move.