It looks like the Golden State Warriors are about to make a move.
Local media outlet ‘ESPN’ reported on the 16th (KST), “There are teams making trade offers to the Golden State Warriors. Golden State is very open to strengthening its roster. Other teams think they are in a favorable position in the trade market, so the value of their players will increase.”
Golden State currently sits in 11th place in the Western Conference with a 10-14 record. At this point in the standings, they won’t even make the playoffs, let alone the play-in tournament. Golden State is the highest luxury tax payer for the 2023-2024 season. That should be unacceptable to the front office.
Golden State’s current problem is that they’re not playing very well. Even with a bad record, there’s room for a rebound if the team is playing well, which they are not. That’s not to say they don’t have injuries that could help them after returning from injury.
The Warriors’ biggest problem right now is that they’re missing key players like Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and Kevon Looney, who all played well last season. Add to that the fact that Draymond Green is serving his second suspension of the season, and it’s clouding the team’s outlook. Steph Curry is the only player who has been consistent throughout the season.
Steve Kerr has been criticized for his conservative roster choices. Even with the likes of Brandin Pogba, Jonathan Cuminga, and Moses Mudiay performing well, Kerr has always opted for veterans. He did start Pogba and Kuminga for the first time on Dec. 15 against the Clippers, but it was a little too late.
Given Golden State’s current situation, strengthening via trade seems more of a necessity than an option. The competition in the Western Conference is getting stronger, while the Warriors’ strength is declining.
One of the positions the Warriors should look to trade is the forward position. Wiggins has declined significantly, and Green is a ticking time bomb. Kuminga is the only backup forward. In fact, Golden State once targeted OG Anunoby at the 2022-2023 trade deadline.
Other forwards currently on the trade market include Lauri Markkanen, Anunoby, and Pascal Siakam. It would take a big move on Golden State’s part to acquire this player. It could include prospects like Moody and Kuminga, as well as draft picks.
The time is coming for Golden State to make a choice. Will the Warriors be bold enough to make the move?