National Basketball Association

AP Source: Warriors meet with Brandon Roy

Published Jul. 4, 2012 12:48 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Bay Area could be a landing spot for Brandon Roy's return to basketball.

The Golden State Warriors and Roy met earlier this week about him joining the team in the free agent's attempted comeback, a person familiar with the situation said Tuesday.

The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the talks were preliminary, said the Warriors met with Roy on Sunday and were hoping to meet with the former Portland guard again this week. Nothing was scheduled yet.

Roy, a three-time All-Star, announced his retirement in December after five seasons with the Trail Blazers because of chronic knee problems. The 27-year-old has averaged 19 points, 4.7 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 321 games.

Minnesota, Cleveland and others also have expressed an interest in Roy.

While he has only played for Portland, Golden State does offer some familiarity. Roy used to be represented by new Warriors general manager Bob Myers, a former sports agent.

Roy would seem to be a perfect fit for Golden State's system - if healthy - playing alongside shooters Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. New center Andrew Bogut also is expected to team with scoring power forward David Lee.

It's unclear how much money Roy is seeking. The Warriors also are still unsure of the status of Roy's knees.

Myers had said Monday that it's unlikely the Warriors would use all of their mid-level exception - about $5 million - because the team was close to the luxury tax. It's also doubtful Roy would sign for the veteran minimum, which will be around $1 million a year.

The sixth overall pick in the 2006 draft out of Washington, Roy was acquired by the Blazers in a draft-day trade. The 2007 NBA Rookie of the Year made the All-Star team from 2008-2010.

The Warriors are trying to make a rare push to the playoffs, and a healthy Roy could help.

With only one playoff appearance since 1994, Golden State will finally have a starting lineup that has a legitimate chance to make the postseason again - if healthy. Health, however, is a huge concern even without Roy.

Bogut, the 2005 No. 1 overall pick and best center the franchise has had in at least a decade, fractured his left ankle Jan. 25 with Milwaukee and sat out the rest of the season when he was acquired in a trade for star guard Monta Ellis. Curry repeatedly sprained his surgically repaired right ankle last season while playing only 26 games. And Lee missed the final eight games, undergoing surgery to repair a torn abdominal muscle.

All are expected back by training camp

Also Tuesday, the Warriors signed first-round pick Harrison Barnes. The former North Carolina small forward was drafted seventh overall last week. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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