Warriors' $60 million star predicted to leave Golden State for Pelicans

Warriors' $60 million star predicted to leave Golden State for Pelicans originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Golden State Warriors won’t be able to retain all of their key contributors this offseason.

Whether losing free agents, including their most valuable trade assets, in a deal for an organization-bolstering superstar, it’s safe to say the Dubs’ roster will look a bit different next season.

Pelican Debrief’s Chris Lambert believes that the Warriors’ 30-year-old star could leave Golden State for the New Orleans Pelicans after less than one season.

“With Zion Williamson expected to slot in at the Pelicans power forward spot next season, having a rim protector and floor spacer next to him would change everything," Lambert wrote Wednesday.

"Zion's two biggest weaknesses are his inability to space the floor and his poor defense. Bringing in Porzingis could address both problems."

Lambert’s free-agent scenario involving Porzingis and the Pelicans would be devastating for the Warriors, but not for the reason many think. Although Porzingis is a formidable stretch five who’s proven he can wreak havoc on both ends, he’s undoubtedly earned the ‘injury-prone’ label at this stage of his career.