For nearly a month, the Warriors have been speaking of Quinn Cook in both the present and also the future tense. During that time, words have gained momentum toward action.
The Warriors and Cook’s representatives are negotiating a deal for a standard NBA contract, over two seasons, in hopes of having it signed by the two-way point guard in time to add him to the postseason roster, multiple league sources have informed NBC Sports Bay Area.
The advanced stage of the negotiations was first reported by ESPN.com.
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Though the postseason roster deadline is noon on April 13, everyone on that roster must be under a standard NBA contract by the end of that team’s season to be eligible. The Warriors play their season finale April 10 at Utah, with the postseason beginning the weekend of April 14-15.
Team sources say the Warriors are committed to doing whatever they can to lock up Cook and enter the postseason as the starting point guard. Two-way players are not eligible for postseason play.
The Warriors cannot add Cook to the roster without first releasing one of 15 players, the maximum allowed, currently under a standard contract.
The team’s intention to secure Cook beyond this season dates as far back as midseason, according to sources. Those desires intensified after Stephen Curry sustained a sprain of the MCL in his left knee on March 23. He is not scheduled to return before late April.
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Since replacing Curry in the starting lineup on March 25 against Utah, a six-game span, Cook has averaged 16.5 points on 52.7 percent shooting, including 50 percent beyond the arc. In starting 13 of the past 14 games, Cook averaged 16.2 points on 52.2 percent shooting from the field, including 45.9 percent beyond the arc, and 88.9 percent from the line.
Cook has consistently stated that he would like to remain with the Warriors beyond this season. One factor in that goal is his friendship with Kevin Durant. The two grew up in the Washington D.C. area and have known each other for about 15 years.
Curry’s absence has given Cook a lot of leverage. He was wanted a month ago. He is needed now. Indeed, the Warriors have been making plans for him to be their starting point guard when the playoffs begin.