Golden State Warriors rumors: Defending champs tried to sign Patrick Beverley before he joined Chicago Bulls

The Golden State Warriors were linked with Patrick Beverley after the LA Lakers traded him to the Orlando Magic. Beverley was bought out and waived by the Magic, making him a free agent. He ended up signing with the Chicago Bulls, but the Warriors were interested in him.

On the latest edition of his podcast, Beverley revealed that his decision came down between the Bulls and Warriors. He chose to sign with his hometown team, as there were a lot of guards on the defending champions. He also liked that Chicago are in a weaker conference.

"I'm going to be taking my talents back home to Chicago," Beverley said. "It was between Golden State and the Bulls. Obviously, it's always good to play with a lot of great talent like in Golden State, but a lot of guards over there. I figure I can make a playoff push with the Bulls right now and pump them up a little bit. The East is a little weak."

The Golden State Warriors could have used Patrick Beverley in their quest for the playoffs. The Warriors did acquire Gary Payton II at the trade deadline, but he's out for a month due to a core muscle injury.

Defense has been a problem for Golden State this season, which is one of the reasons why they're 29-29 and just ninth in the Western Conference. Beverley provides intense perimeter defense and is a pest for opposing defenses.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls could use a point guard who could play defense. They have been missing Lonzo Ball all season, while Goran Dragic and Coby White are not really known for their defense.

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Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr frustrated with Gary Payton II trade

Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr is frustrated with the Gary Payton II trade at the deadline. Kerr loves that Payton is back in Golden State but hates the fact that they cannot use him for a month. The Warriors still completed the trade despite Payton's failed medical.

In an appearance on 95.7 The Game's "Damon & Ratto," Kerr expressed his disappointment with Payton's injury. However, he moved forward despite being down a man during a very important run in the second half of the season.

"Yeah, disappointing, obviously," Kerr said. "I mean, we were excited about Gary's addition. We know what he did for us last year, and we needed immediate help. We needed a boost at the deadline, and that was one of the reasons for the deal. So finding out that he was going to be out for a while was frustrating, but that's the way it goes."