Warriors GM calls deal unlikely as trade rumor persists

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The Warriors have no picks and zero money to buy one, but don't think for a second that they'll be bystanders during Thursday's NBA draft.

"It'd be like being invited to a party, but you can't drink," Warriors general manager Bob Myers joked.

Though Myers repeatedly has said it's "unlikely" that the team will acquire a pick or make a blockbuster deal this summer, the Warriors have been front and center in a number of trade rumors leading up to the draft.

The Warriors have been mentioned in potential deals for New York center Tyson Chandler, who is being traded to Dallas, and Houston forward Chandler Parsons. They even have convinced some of the pipedream that they could land LeBron James or Kevin Love this offseason.

The most wide-ranging rumors have come with regard to Love, with one report saying a potential deal to acquire Minnesota's All-Star power forward is dead and another saying it's all but done. Myers has refused to address the specifics of his trade talks, other than to say that he doesn't foresee anything being consummated.

Of course, he admitted that he couldn't have predicted dumping two players whose salaries were thought to have made them untradeable (Andris Biedrins and Richard Jefferson) last summer to land Andre Iguodala in a three-team, sign-and-trade deal, either.

The Warriors used $3.2 million in cash considerations to complete the Iguodala deal - the most the NBA will allow a team to use in trades during a single fiscal year, which starts in July. So buying a pick - as they've done each of the past three seasons - is impossible.

That doesn't mean the Warriors won't find a way to get a selection. One NBA source said the team would complete a deal with the Timberwolves, shipping Klay Thompson, David Lee and Harrison Barnes to the Twin Cities for Love, Kevin Martin and a first-round pick, if Doug McDermott or Nik Stauskas is still available at No. 13.

The Warriors have pursued trade talks, including Minnesota's Kevin Love, that might bring a pick. The Warriors have pursued trade talks, including Minnesota's Kevin Love, that might bring a pick. Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle Buy photo Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Warriors GM calls deal unlikely as trade rumor persists 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

The Warriors sent a scout to Chicago to see in-person workouts of McDermott and Stauskas, two of the top shooters in the draft, but Myers dismissed the trip as "due diligence." The Warriors say their front office has seen workouts of about the top 20 players in the draft class, despite not being able to get prospects to come to Oakland because they don't have picks.

"I don't think we're necessarily in need of a pick, but, with that said, I'd like to have one," Myers said.

The Warriors traded this year's first-round choice in the Iguodala deal and the second-round selection in a 2013 draft-day move. They also traded their 2017 first-rounder and don't own a second-round pick until 2018.

Of all the drafts, this appears to be the year to have a choice or two.

"I think (this draft is) outstanding," ESPN analyst Jay Bilas said. "I think it's one of the deepest drafts and one of the most talented that we've had in maybe a decade. It is full of players that can not only come in and contribute, but also guys who could be starters and potential stars."

When there's that type of attention and praise on players, the Warriors of recent years seem to get involved. Co-owner Joe Lacob has mandated an aggressive front office that is into star-chasing.

The Warriors managed to get into the Chris Paul trade talks in 2011, landed a meeting with then-free agent Dwight Howard last summer and have flirted with the ideas of acquiring James Harden and LaMarcus Aldridge during the past three years.

Myers said the franchise is constantly examining whether it's better to grow organically and build continuity among its roster or to make a mega move that could create a better today at the risk of tomorrow. Because of its accomplished, young roster, he said opposing teams regularly call to discuss potential deals, and he consistently listens.

Myers also consistently reminds himself of a John Wooden quote: "Don't mistake activity for achievement."