Ronny Turiaf – A Laker? A Warrior? Or Whatever?

It’s that crazy time of year again – NBA free agency hop-scotch. One player who seems to be going and coming at the same time is Lakers restricted free agent, Ronny Turiaf. The Riverside Press-Enterprise reported that Turiaf had signed a $17 million offer from the Golden Stare Warriors. This according to two league sources. But it seems that no other viable sources have reported the deal aside from the Press-Enterprise. In addition, Mark Bartelstein, Turiaf’s agent, has not confirmed or denied the offer.

Furthermore, Lakers GM, Mitch Kupchak stated that he has not received a phone call, fax or any other confirmation of the offer.

So, does Turiaf have an offer from the Warriors or not? And, if it turns out to be true, will the Lakers match it?

One thing is certain. If the offer is valid, it is certainly at the top end of the range for a 6-10 center with limited minutes and prone to picking up twice as many personal fouls as blocked shots.

That being the case, I doubt very much in Kupchak and the Lakers will try to match it. Their mid-level exemption can be much better spent elsewhere.

It is also doubtful that the Warriors would be after Turiaf since losing out on the bidding for Elton Brand. They would probably want to throw as much money as they could at Atlanta’s Josh Smith before using it to sign a backup center.