Jackson has a simple message during this trade season, designed to keep his players focused despite all the rumors. "It's a great life," Jackson said. "At the end of the day, the money is guaranteed. Life is good.—
Golden State has been a frequent member of the rumor mill for some time. With Tuesday's trade deadline looming, the Warriors are expected to be mentioned even more as talks pick up.
Warriors brass have openly said they are in the hunt for a big man. While still holding onto pipe dreams they will win the Dwight Howard sweepstakes, the Warriors are eyeing several big men. Multiple team sources said Milwaukee's Andrew Bogut is high on their list.
The Warriors' quest for a big man means just about the entire roster may be mentioned on the trading block at one point or another.
Jackson said it hasn't been a distraction, and he's trying to keep it from becoming one.
"We talk to the guys," Jackson said. "You can't address every rumor. But you've got to let them know tomorrow's not promised."
The Warriors didn't appear distracted for the first half of Saturday's game. They led by as much as 19 points. Golden State shot 53.7 percent in the half, getting 21 points from David Lee, and led 52-42 at the break.
It was just the energy Jackson was looking for to start games. The Mavericks were playing their third game in as many nights, and the Warriors sought to take advantage.
Monta Ellis had seven of the Warriors' 15 first-half assists, which was indicative of their ball movement to start Saturday's game.
Plus, the Warriors held Dallas to 31.7 percent shooting in the half.
"We are going to have to get stops, rebound the basketball and then we want to push it," Jackson said. "(Dallas) is a very good basketball team that is an older basketball team. One of the advantages we have is forcing the tempo. But it starts with the getting stops. It's not just against the Dallas Mavericks; we want to run every night. We have to make a conscious effort to push the basketball.—
The Warriors would have to overcome a few hurdles to get Bogut. First off, Bogut is hurt and could be done for the season thanks to a fractured left ankle. Though Bogut is an All-Star caliber center, the Warriors would prefer to trade for someone who can help now.
Also, Bogut's price is high. The Bucks, which are in desperate need of consistent offense, aren't all that interested in Ellis, one source said. He and Milwaukee point guard Brandon Jennings would make a small backcourt, and that wouldn't fit coach Scott Skiles' style.
But even if the Warriors come up with a package the Bucks might like, sources said Milwaukee is packaging Bogut with one of two undesirable contracts -- Stephen Jackson or Drew Gooden.
Jackson's history with the Warriors is perhaps too unrepairable for him to return to Golden State. But a few sources said team officials wouldn't mind having Jackson back in a Warriors uniform. Jackson is making $9 million this season and $10 million next.
Gooden is cheaper annually but has three years left on his deal, worth about $20 million. The former El Cerrito High star could be a serviceable backup, but that's not the kind of long-term money the Warriors want to take on.
Perhaps the more likely option is to get a third team involved, preferably one that would take Jackson.
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