Porzingis Trade: How the Warriors’ Reported Jalen Smith Target Could Look Like

Warriors’ reported trade priorities

Recent reporting from The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer says Golden State wants to move Porzingis. His contract is worth $20 million and has only $3 million guaranteed for next season, making a deal possible, the report says.

The Warriors reportedly do not want to take on long-term salary or add draft picks unless they receive a difference-maker. They do not view Myles Turner as one, while Smith appeals to them partly because his contract is expiring.

Smith’s role and contract

Smith, a 26-year-old center, is earning $9.4 million this season. In seven games, all starts, he is averaging 12.1 points and 8.6 rebounds. The 6-foot-9 big man has made 33.9 percent of his career attempts from three-point range. A Porzingis-for-Smith swap would fit the trade framework, but Chicago might hesitate to surrender a useful player for someone who may not suit up.

Two possible trade frameworks

One proposal sends Smith and Cleveland’s 2027 second-round pick to Golden State for Porzingis, while Chicago receives a 2027 first-round pick protected in the top 11. The Bulls could gain a first-round selection that might fall in the teens, but the piece describes this as an overpay by the Warriors.

Another proposal has Golden State receiving Smith and Isaac Okoro, with the Bulls getting Porzingis and Gui Santos. That idea depends on Chicago valuing Santos, who is 24 and earns $4.6 million this season and $5 million next season.

Okoro, a 6-foot-6 wing, has an expiring $11.8 million contract. The report says he has started poorly this season but is generally capable of strong defense and average three-point shooting.

Retirement could change the cost

A separate possibility would send Porzingis to Chicago for Smith without picks. If Porzingis immediately retired, the Bulls would owe him no money for the rest of the season and could fill his roster spot with a veteran-minimum player, potentially saving a few million dollars depending on the trade date.

That outcome depends on immediate retirement. If Porzingis instead sought a buyout, Chicago would not save money, and the deal would not happen under this scenario. The report says Golden State may seek a better player than Smith if it offers its 2027 first-round pick. It is also unclear whether Chicago will make Smith available or whether the Bulls could find a stronger offer without that first-rounder.