NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors Shouldn't Trade for Chris Kaman

Trading for New Orleans center Chris Kaman would seem to make a lot of sense for the struggling Golden State Warriors.

They need a center, especially with Kwame Brown out, and they realistically aren't going to the playoffs without a legitimate big man down low.

The only problem is, the Hornets are asking for way too much.

According to the Oakland Tribune, the Hornets want expiring contracts, draft picks and young talent for Kaman. The Warriors only have one significant expiring contract (Brown) and they can't trade him yet per league rules. They also have only second-round picks to offer.

That means they would only be able to land the 29-year-old if they gave away young talent. "Young talent" may mean including someone like rookie shooting guard Klay Thompson, the former Washington State sharpshooter who is beginning to get it going from the field.

Thompson was the Warriors' first-round pick in 2011, so I find it hard to believe the Warriors would make such a trade. Plus, Kaman is on the last year of his contract so it's uncertain whether he would re-sign with the Warriors.

Kaman would figure to be a big piece for the Warriors, who have made the playoffs only once in the last 17 seasons primarily because they haven't had a legitimate center, or a defense for that matter. Kaman's a rebounder and shot-blocker and he still has some left in the tank.

But, for what the Hornets are asking, it's not worth it. The Warriors are still a few pieces away from being a contender and Kaman alone wouldn't be worth losing young talent for.

For the Warriors, who lost out on Tyson Chandler and De'Andre Jordan in the offseason, it's more of the same: a losing season without a defensive force in the paint.