Warriors trade Cauley-Stein to Mavericks
The Golden State Warriors have traded center Willie Cauley-Stein to the Dallas Mavericks, the Mavs announced.
Dallas is sending the Warriors a 2020 second-round pick via the Utah Jazz in return for the big man. To make room on their roster, the Mavericks have requested waivers on Justin Patton. They acquired Patton in a separate deal Friday in exchange for Isaiah Roby.
Cauley-Stein gives Dallas a suitable replacement for starting center Dwight Powell, who suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon Tuesday against the Los Angeles Clippers. The injury is expected to keep the Canadian sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Dallas is using its $11.7-million trade exception to acquire the 26-year-old, ESPN's Bobby Marks reports. The exception was created when the Mavs dealt Harrison Barnes to Sacramento last February.
In 41 contests with Golden State this season, Cauley-Stein averaged 7.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 23 minutes per game. He figures to be a suitable pick-and-roll partner alongside Luka Doncic, as Cauley-Stein scores 1.14 points per possession as a roll man, according to NBA.com.
The former Kentucky product signed a two-year, $4.4-million deal with the Warriors this past offseason. His contract contains a $2.28-million player option for the 2020-21 campaign.
Golden State opens up a roster spot by trading Cauley-Stein and avoids a scenario where his player option remains on the books next season. The Warriors now also have more flexibility entering this summer when they'll likely be selecting near the top of the draft in June.