When Warriors general managerBob Myers addressed the media last week about the NBA draft, the subjectstrayed to swingman Brandon Rush. Myers made it clear that the Warriors verymuch wanted to keep Rush, and that they were going to do all they could toensure that.
RELATED: Rushs statssplitsgame logs
Step 1 occurred on Tuesday,when the Warriors extended a qualifying offer to Rush, making him a restrictedfree agent. More importantly, it means the Warriors have Rush under theircontrol right now.Rush is free to sign an offersheet with any other NBA team, and then the Warriors would have one week tomatch the offer and retain Rush. If the Warriors think the price is too high,they will allow Rush to leave.Rush and the Warriors alsocan still negotiate between themselves during the free agency period, whichbegins in July.Rush had a terrific seasonfor the Warriors in 2011-12, after being acquired from Indiana for LouAmundson. Rush played in 65 games for Golden State, averaging a career-high 9.8points per game. Rush was sixth in the league in 3-point shooting(.452).Its not surprising Myersconsiders Rush somewhat of a priority. With Klay Thompson likely the teamsstarting two guard, the Warriors would like to have a proven backup behindhim.Rush made 2.95 million in2011-12, and many believe after his career season hell earn more money in2012-13.
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