In a thrilling preseason matchup, the Golden State Warriors continued their winning streak by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers, even while missing several key players due to injuries. While Stephen Curry typically steals the spotlight, this game saw Moses Moody emerging as the unexpected star, prompting head coach Steve Kerr to address ongoing trade rumors surrounding the young guard.
Moody’s Breakout Performance
Moses Moody has been on fire this preseason, displaying remarkable scoring ability that has not only contributed to the Warriors’ success but also silenced any speculation regarding his future with the team. In the recent game against the Lakers, Moody scored a team-high 21 points and showcased his shooting prowess by making five of his seven attempts from beyond the arc.
Steve Kerr praised the development of Moses Moody, stating, “He’s playing great. He’s gotten so much better in so many ways. We’ve always loved his character and his work ethic. This is the most confidence I think he’s played with and he’s going to play a big role for us.” With his performance, Moody has recorded three double-digit scoring games in the preseason, accumulating an impressive total of 79 points.
Trade Rumors Put to Rest
With Moody’s stellar performance, the notion of him being traded seems unlikely, especially following Kerr’s remarks. Given that Moody’s contract is set to expire next summer, the Warriors had faced pressure to consider a trade, particularly amid discussions about his eligibility for a contract extension. However, Kerr’s comments indicate the organization’s commitment to keeping Moody as part of its plans.
Despite the buzz surrounding a potential rookie max contract, the Warriors have hesitated to offer such a deal, especially when compared to fellow draft class member Franz Wagner, who secured a significant contract with the Orlando Magic. Should the Warriors and Moody fail to reach an agreement by the October 21 deadline, he would enter restricted free agency next year, increasing the speculation about a trade. Nonetheless, Kerr’s latest endorsement suggests that the team values Moody and his contributions more than ever.
A Summer of Hard Work Paying Off
Moses Moody has attributed his recent success to a dedicated offseason, where he focused on honing his skills in various areas, including ball handling, shooting, and defense. During the team’s Media Day, he shared insights into his training, saying, “I worked on a lot of ball-handling stuff, some shooting stuff, defensive stuff…I feel like it was a really good summer for me.”
Confident in his growth, Moody expressed that he feels prepared to take the next step in his career. “I do. I do. Especially stemming from this summer and the work that I’ve put in,” he stated. However, he skillfully sidestepped questions about his impending contract extension, choosing to leave negotiations to his agent.
Looking Ahead
As the Warriors gear up for the regular season, Moses Moody’s emergence as a key player provides the team with additional depth and scoring options. With Steve Kerr’s trust and the confidence Moody has gained through hard work, the young guard could play a pivotal role in the Warriors’ quest for success this season.
As trade rumors swirl, it appears that the Warriors are poised to retain Moody, leveraging his talents as they continue to build a championship-caliber roster. Fans will be watching closely to see how Moody’s preseason performance translates into the regular season and what the future holds for this rising star in Golden State.
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