Is there a possibility for the Golden State Warriors to bring back a former 2022 NBA champion through a trade after the deadline?

Although the Golden State Warriors remained relatively quiet in the final moments leading up to the NBA trade deadline, one of their former beloved players, Otto Porter Jr., was part of the flurry of transactions on the hectic final day. Porter, who departed the Warriors to join the Toronto Raptors during the 2022 offseason, was officially traded to the Utah Jazz on Thursday. The deal saw the Raptors acquire Canadian native Kelly Olynyk.

With Porter’s uncertain situation in Utah, there’s speculation about the possibility of him reuniting with the Golden State Warriors, the team he won the 2022 NBA championship with, as a potential buyout candidate in the forthcoming weeks. Porter’s tenure in Toronto was marked by challenges, including significant time missed due to injuries. Despite his return at the beginning of this season, his performance in limited playing time has been lackluster, averaging 2.6 points and 1.9 rebounds in just 11.6 minutes per game, with a three-point shooting percentage of 34.8%. Notably, Porter hasn’t played in any of Toronto’s last 20 games, dating back to December 30. With an expiring contract valued at $6.3 million, Porter’s future remains uncertain following his move to the Jazz

Although there hasn’t been any confirmation regarding a potential buyout for Otto Porter Jr. by the Utah Jazz, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints hinted that it might be worth monitoring Porter’s situation ahead of the deadline. Siegel suggested that teams like the Suns, Clippers, Warriors, and Celtics could all be logical destinations for Porter. While a trade redirection didn’t occur, it’s plausible that the Jazz could still consider a buyout for Porter in the coming days or weeks.

Should such a scenario materialize, it raises the question of whether the Golden State Warriors would be interested in reuniting with the 2022 NBA champion. Porter holds a special place in the hearts of many fans due to his contributions during the championship season. However, it’s worth noting that Porter’s availability has been limited in recent years, with only one season in the past five where he played more than 28 games.

If the Warriors believe they can help Porter regain his health and contribute effectively, they might consider him for their 14th roster spot. Nonetheless, such a move would come with risks, including significant luxury tax payments and uncertainty surrounding Porter’s current abilities and impact on a playoff-contending team at this stage of his career.