NBA Rumors: Warriors Try To Grab J.J. Hickson Again

"J.J. Hickson" and "mid-level exception" are not two phrases anyone ever wants to hear in the same sentence. But Marcus Thompson III of the Contra Costa Times reports that the Golden State Warriors have opened talks with the outcast forward in hopes of adding him to Mark Jackson's arsenal.

Hickson is an unrestricted free agent as the Portland Trail Blazers -- who claimed him off of waivers after the Sacramento Kings cut him in March -- did not extend a qualifying offer. The Warriors had an agreement to bring in Hickson on the cheap in March once the Kings waived him, not expecting the Blazers or any other team to claim him off of waivers.

Now the Warriors are free to bid on his services. The Warriors have Andrew Bogut, David Lee and Andris Biedrins in the frontcourt. On Thursday, the team drafted center Festus Ezeli of Vanderbilt at No. 30, as well.