NBA Trade Rumors: Warriors Could Want Robin Lopez

The Golden State Warriors could make their first in-season trade since the 2014/15 season. According to Mark Stein of the New York Times, the reigning champions may have an interest in trading for Chicago Bulls center Robin Lopez.

Stein reported, that the Bulls have made Lopez available for trade along with Jabari Parker, though moving the former Knick will not be that easy. Lopez will be a free agent next summer but is currently earning $14.4 million this season.

"There will be little need for the Bulls to keep Lopez, 30, beyond Feb. 7 if they don’t find a workable trade for him, which may set up the former Knick to emerge as one of most coveted buyout candidates," Stein wrote. "Golden State’s positional needs also could certainly change between now and then, but Kevon Looney is the closest thing to a proven center currently available to Coach Steve Kerr."

While Stein previously added that the Warriors don't have the assets for a meaningful trade, a trade for Lopez could be a possibility as Chicago would likely want to get him off their books at any cost. A trade package involving a draft pick and a player may be enough for the Warriors to boost their center options.

As it stands, Looney is the only real option for Golden State right now in that position, and while DeMarcus Cousins is continuing his rehabilitation from a torn Achilles tendon and is expected back soon, there's no guarantee as to how he performs initially.

Even if Cousins performs to his pre-injury levels, it would still be a good option for the Warriors to have Lopez play backup minutes. The California native is an experienced veteran who currently averages 6.1 points, 2.3 rebounds and 53.4 percent field goal shooting in 17.3 minutes per game over 27 games played this season for the Bulls.

As Stein mentions, the Warriors, who still have an open roster spot, may not even have to trade for Lopez as he could be bought out. And the Bay Area will certainly be enticing for any player on the buyout market, more so with Lopez, who could potentially win his first NBA championship with the Warriors.