So every once in a while I get asked what I would do if I were in charge of the Warriors. Sometimes people ask me what decisions I would make if I had that kind of control.

It’s always hard to answer because, even if you know a little bit about what’s being talked about among teams, you don’t really know what’s going on. You never know the whole story and you never even hear about most of it.

So, it’s one thing to talk about trading Monta Ellis or Corey Maggette, it’s another to really know what’s out there for them.

But here’s something I certainly would pursue. I just saw that Hedo Turkoglu told a Turkish television station that he didn’t want to return to Toronto. He signed a pretty big deal there last year as a free agent, but had a pretty mediocre season.

Still, I’d get on that immediately.

Turkoglu had much more of an impact for the Magic than he did for Toronto, and it no doubt had a lot to do with him not handling the ball as much and being far less of an offensive focus.

It’s about Chris Bosh – or was – and Jose Calderon when it comes to handling the ball, and that left Turkoglu odd man out. And no, he didn’t exactly embrace not being the man.

What I’m getting around to is this: If I were the Warriors, I’d get in on that. I would absolutely, positively reach out to see what the Raptors think about Turkoglu wanting out.

If I’m the Warriors, I would be open to listening about any player except for Stephen Curry. It’s not that I would never consider trading Curry, it’s that if I’m considering trying to acquire Turkoglu, I’m going to want him to play alongside Curry.

Then you’ve got two very competent playmakers and ball-handlers. Now, Turkoglu’s got a big contract – four more years at about $43 million. But you know what? That’s not that much, and in all likelihood you’re probably going to have to give up an Andris Biedrins or Monta Ellis, both of whom make comparable money themselves.

I think it’s wishful thinking to believe there’s a deal there that involves Maggette. Certainly, the Raptors will come asking about Anthony Randolph, and I wouldn’t be averse to tossing his name around.

Ditto for Kelenna Azubuike, Ronny Turiaf or Brandan Wright. Not that No. 3 has much value.

Turkoglu is not a perfect player, but he’s the kind of player who would be a very nice fit on the Warriors. They do not have a player who can impact a game in as many areas as Turkoglu.

You put Turkoglu on the Warriors and he’d immediately be the team’s best all-around player.

You ask me what I would do if I ran the Warriors, and that’s certainly one thing: Get on the horn with the Raptors and start pestering them about Turkoglu.

Chum wrote:I like Turkoglu as a player. I like his all around game. I think he would help the Warriors win quite a few games. I think if he ended up meshing well with Curry, which he probably would, then he'd be a good addition to the team.

BUT... it's a bad trade idea.

Turkoglu can make a very good team even better, but in the end he doesn't bring the essentials to the team. He's an add on. The Warriors need rebounding, low post defense, perimeter defense in that order. Turkoglu would bring scoring, ball handling and passing. All good things but not what we need.

You know who could really use a player like Turkaglu... The Magic

Not a bad idea on Steinmetz's part but we'd be better off trading for rebounding and defense.

TMC wrote:Just arrived home and the first thing I found on the board is this... this... RETARDED deal?

Turkoglu is 31 (31) and signed to more than 10 million per year (on average) til 2014!!!.


I'll repeat: we're going to deal for a long term contract that a 31 years old player has just started and that runs til the 2014 season!!!


What's the point of trading for him again?

Chum wrote:Well if the trade was Mags for Turkoglu straight across I guess I'd do it, and I really like Mags. I happen to think Turkaglu is an exceptional player, but he does need the right team to fit in with. The Warriors may or may not be that team.

Trading any of the key trade baits on the Warriors for Turkoglu would be a mistake (ie Monta/draft pick/AR.) Get some hardcore defenders on the team and then Turkaglu would be a good option.

Chum wrote:Just to add talent that's not happy where he is I guess?

Mags for Turkoglu straight across ok with you TMC?

Chum wrote:Is it just me or do the Warriors have a larger international fan base than most teams? I always hear about foreign players wanting to play for the Warriors. I remember when Yao Ming was going to first come to the NBA he (or the chinese government) made a list of teams that would be acceptable to go to. The Warriors were at the top, or near the top, of a short list.

Mr. Crackerz wrote:I wouldn't do the trade. Not because i like maggs (not at all), but cuz its another long term deal we don't need. I mean, if we trade maggs, it should be for someone with less years, not more. And TMC is right, he is 31 years. Unless he is a PG who is in shape, i would be cautious of trading for anyone in their 30's with 4 years remaining on a deal.

GoldenStJayhawk wrote:Steinmetz still pushing for Turkoglu and thinks the Warrior fans who don't want him are nuts.

http://www.csnbayarea.com/06/01/10/Steinmetz-Warriors-Turkoglu-Redux/landing_steinmetz_v3.html?blockID=245109&feedID=2484