Patrick McCaw has claimed that there was no particular reason for wanting to leave Golden State this year.
The Warriors, who traded for the guard after he was drafted and allowed him to win two championships as part of their roster, wanted him back on a two-year deal in the summer and he would have definitely gotten his minutes. Yet he wanted out for some reason and insists it was simply a personal move.
Interviewed by The Athletic after his first practice session with his new team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, McCaw gave very little away when asked what motivated him to leave the reigning champs.
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“That’s a tough question,” he replied
“I loved playing in Golden State. My teammates, the coaches, it was nothing really … nothing stands out to me to say I didn’t want to go back. Think it was just a personal thing where I was just like, I think it was time for me to move on for a new opportunity within myself. Nothing against Golden State, front office, coaches, players, the environment, it had nothing to do with any of that. It’s just a personal thing, and I wanted a new opportunity to move on.
“I can’t say anything other than it was all me. Nothing against Golden State. I just wanted to move on.”
Pressed to reveal what the Cavs can give him that the Warriors couldn't, there wasn't much of an answer for that either.
“That’s a good question. I couldn’t even give you an answer,” he said.
“I think, for myself, I took a different approach to this whole situation. I was uncertain if I would get an offer sheet or anything. But being positive in myself and knowing something would come. I can’t really look back on the last two months and how I handled the whole situation, I can only continue to focus on now and the future. That’s all I’m waiting for.”
What This Means
McCaw spent two years with the Warriors after being drafted as the 38th overall pick of the 2016 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. Jerry West, who was a team executive at the time, said teams would be sorry for not drafting the player higher as he thought he was an outstanding talent.
Unfortunately, the shooting guard has decided that he wants to play elsewhere and, while he hasn't said it, it's likely because he wants to feel more valued.
He should get more minutes in Cleveland, given their struggles - and if he never wins another championship, he could always boast being part of a team that won two straight finals.