The Warriors are negotiating a long-term contract with two-way player Quinn Cook, tweets Chris Haynes of ESPN. It would be fully guaranteed for the rest of this season, along with next season, adds Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated (Twitter link).
Cook has to be signed to a regular NBA contract by April 10 to be eligible for the postseason. The move has been expected based on his outstanding play in the wake of two injuries that sidelined Stephen Curry. Cook is averaging 8.9 points in 29 games and shooting ,429 from 3-point range. He is expected to be the team’s starting point guard for the first round of the playoffs while Curry continues to heal.
It’s a breakthrough performance for the 25-year-old, who has struggled to earn a spot in the league since going undrafted out of Duke in 2015. His only previous NBA experience came last season when he played five games for the Mavericks and nine for the Pelicans.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr has begun talking about Cook as though he’ll be on the postseason roster, relays Mark Medina of The San Jose Mercury News (Twitter link). “This is what we’ve come to expect from Quinn.” Kerr said after Tuesday’s win at Oklahoma City. “He’s probably not going to be a 30-point guy in the playoffs.”
Golden State has a full roster, so a move will have to be made before Cook’s new contract can be finalized. The most likely candidate to be waived is veteran forward Omri Casspi, whose veteran’s minimum contract expires at the end of the season. Casspi is dealing with pain in his right ankle, Haynes tweets, and did not accompany the Warriors on their current road trip.
Is it April 10th that he must sign to be playoff eligible? Who would the Warriors cut to make room?
About time. This guy’s been fantastic.
Goodbye Shaun Livingston, hello another sharpshooter from distance.
Shaun isn’t going anywhere lol. His length and versatility is valuable.
Nick Young won’t be around next year and McCaw could be gone as well.
I see Livingston and Cook playing together with shaun running the point and guarding the 2.
I’m pretty disappointed in Livingston. His only game is the 12 to 15 footer or over a smaller guard. He hasn’t stepped up with curry out either.
Great find by the Warriors, a diamond in the rough. Should make Young and Casspi expendable.
Are you talking about Quinn Cook? He’s a 6-2 point guard. Young and casspi are 6-6, 6-8 outside Shooters, small forwards. Two different roles.
There is talk of dumping casspi but that’s because he’s hurt.