NBA Trade Deadline: Warriors could sign Larry Sanders, not looking for trades

The Golden State Warriors (46-9) are not looking for any player movements ahead of the Feb. 23 NBA Trade Deadline but could sign estranged centre Larry Sanders, who is looking return to the league, per reports. Sanders has been working out with NBA teams over the last few weeks in hopes of a comeback.

In the aftermath of Andrew Bogut's exit, the Warriors had considered Sanders as a potential rim protector but passed up on the idea, according to ESPN's Ethan Sherwood. While the likes of Zaza Pachulia and Javale McGee have fared decently at the 5 spot, several analysts believe the Warriors need a more reliable option at the centre position during this year's postseason run which could feature match-ups against the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers, teams that are capable of physical play in the post.

Over the last few weeks, Sanders worked out with several NBA teams in Miami, Florida, and could make his comeback after the All-Star break. “It (the workouts) went very well. They (team officials) had as much time as they wanted to work on certain drills with Larry or to talk to him. A lot of teams have expressed interest in Larry. We already have one offer on the table. We should have something done at some point, probably by the All-Star break, Joel Bell, Sanders' agent, told Gery Woelfel of The Journal Times.

Warriors trade news: Golden State not looking to make moves

Meanwhile, Larry Harris, director of player personnel for the Golden State Warriors, recently ruled out the possibility of any movement ahead of the Feb. 23 NBA Trade Deadline. “We’ll take phone calls. We’re not going to initiate any. But we’ll take phone calls if teams are interested, if they need us maybe in a three-way deal or they see something that can help us. We’re certainly not generating calls. And not because we’re being arrogant or anything.”

“With the loss of Zaza Pachulia (shoulder injury) and David West (thumb injury), we’ve had a chance to evaluate our guys up front. Looney’s done a nice job in his minute he’s played, and obviously McGee’s been terrific. As we look at our roster moving forward, I think where we’re going to grow is within our own team,” Harris was quoted as saying by the East Bay Times.

In early 2015, the Milwaukee Bucks and Sanders agreed to a buyout due to the centre's prolonged issues with injuries and marijuana use. While the buyout still guarantees Sanders an annual payday through the 2021-22 NBA season, the 28-year-old is eager to return to the court. Could the Warriors trade one of their young guards for a rim protector? Or would they insist on sticking to McGee and Pachulia at the 5 spot? Stay tuned for the latest news and updates on the NBA Trade Deadline. Will the chatter surrounding Larry Sanders to Warriors gain any traction?