Dub Hub: Warriors not among the teams scheduled to work out Bronny James, per report

Rounding up all Warriors and NBA related news for Wednesday, May 29th.

In today’s Dub Hub:

• Warriors are not among the group of teams scheduled to workout Bronny James, according to KRON 4 News’ Jason Dumas
• ESPN ranks Gary Payton II as the 14th best free agent available this offseason
• Steph Curry breaks down the basketball highlights of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes

The Golden State Warriors hold the 52nd overall pick in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft. While the chances of finding an impact player that late in a draft widely considered weak are slim, one intriguing prospect likely to be available in that range is Bronny James. The guard from USC is looking to carve out his own legacy, separate from his father, NBA superstar LeBron James. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, James currently has over 10 workout invites during the pre-draft process.

On Tuesday, Warriors reporter Jason Dumas of KRON 4 News noted that the Warriors are reportedly not among the teams scheduled to work out James prior to the draft. However, Golden State is set to evaluate several other second-round prospects on Wednesday, as they continue to search for potential gems to bolster next year’s roster.

For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Wednesday, May 29th:

Warriors News:

Warriors not among teams working out NBA Draft prospect Bronny James, per KRON 4 News’ Jason Dumas

NBA free agency 2024: Ranking the top 20 players available | ESPN

14. Gary Payton II

Golden State Warriors | G/F | Player option

Projected WAR: 11.8

Injuries have limited Payton to 66 games over the two seasons since he signed with the Trail Blazers as an unrestricted free agent after helping the Warriors to the 2022 NBA title. His per-minute productivity remains strong, and Payton’s impact in terms of adjusted plus-minus has gone beyond that. Among Golden State regulars last season, the team’s net rating with Payton on the court ranked second behind rookie Brandin Podziemski, according to NBA Advanced Stats. Although Payton has a $9.1 million player option, he told reporters at exit interviews he’d be interested in opting out to re-sign on a longer-term contract that would cut the Warriors’ luxury tax bill by reducing his 2024-25 salary.

NBA free agency 2024: 10 blockbuster trades, deals that need to happen this offseason | ESPN

Even if he was a hair under 39% from 3 this past season, the 34-year-old still canned 268 triples. (The season before, when he hit 41.2% of his 3s, Thompson drained a league-best 301.) Gilgeous-Alexander was already throwing kickout passes a longer average distance than anyone outside of Luka Doncic, per Second Spectrum, because of how much space he had to work with. (Oklahoma City also uses its guards to screen off the ball in a way that’s similar to what Golden State does.) Thompson would amplify all that.

He would need considerable incentive to leave the Warriors, who seem set on making one last push with their championship core. But perhaps the Thunder — who still have a couple years before they realistically need to worry about the punishing luxury tax aprons due to their youth — would construct a deal with Thompson that includes more years than Golden State would agree to.

Klay pays tribute to Bill Walton with touching social media post | NBC Sports Bay Area

The Warriors star, who grew up as a Trail Blazers fan in Lake Oswego, just outside of Portland, first posted a photo of Walton, acknowledging Walton’s impact on basketball in the region. Then Thompson posted a video of himself on a hike in an ode to the former college and NBA star.

“What’s going on everybody,” Thompson said. “In honor of Mr. Walton, the outdoorsman he was, I’m going on a hike today. Got my Kyrie Irving-esque walking stick crucial to outdoor exploring, and it is a wonderful day for it. The whole time I will be thinking of Bill, how much his nature walks meant to him.

“And I want to give my condolences to Luke [Walton] and the rest of the family. Shout-out to the city of Portland, the only MVP in our history is Mr. Walton. So, wish me luck, it’s hot out here but it’s beautiful.”

Steph Curry breaks down Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes’ basketball highlights

NBA News:

Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving take blame for Mavs’ loss to Wolves | ESPN

“He’s not alone in this,” Irving said. “I expect him to say something like that, especially knowing how much he cares and how much he wants to win and how much he wants to lead our group. So I expect nothing less. I think you heard me, too, just say that it’s on me. That’s what you’re supposed to hear from your leaders of your team.”

Sources: Sixers are prepared to give Jimmy Butler a maximum extension if the Heat star is traded | Philadelphia Inquirer

It’s no secret that the 76ers are closely monitoring Jimmy Butler’s contract situation with the Miami Heat.

The Sixers view him as a fallback option if they are unable to sign Paul George in free agency.

And, according to sources, the Sixers are prepared to give Butler a maximum-salary extension if things align and he forces a trade out of Miami.

Butler, who turns 35 on Sept. 14, has $48.8 million guaranteed for next season and a player option for $52.2 million for the 2025-26 season. The former Sixer wants a two-year maximum extension for $113 million. There had been reports that Miami may look to trade the small forward rather than give him an extension.

Pacers’ ‘biggest priority’ is to bring back free agent Pascal Siakam

In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:

Steph and Ayesha Curry welcome new baby Caius Chai

Although many Warriors fans might be disappointed that the team didn’t make a playoff run this year, this is a great reminder that the athletes we love have personal lives off the court, and that an early offseason gave Steph the opportunity to be with his family while they prepared to welcome a new baby to the family.

Follow @unstoppablebaby on Twitter for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.