The Golden State Warriors are entitled to the 2nd overall pick of this year’s Draft. They also own the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 17th pick and have a couple of tradeable assets ahead of the offseason.
Most people expect the Warriors to try and make a huge splash in the trade market rather than hold on to their first-round picks. They know that they’ll be better off pursuing players who fit their current timeline as they don’t have the time to develop talent right now.
And, according to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, they’ve already selected multiple potential trade candidates which include Devin Booker, Jrue Holiday, Marcus Smart, Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, and Bradley Beal. However, that’s going to be easier said than done:
“People around the league are unanimous in thinking that the Warriors will do their best to pull off a trade. But finding the right trade is the problem. Booker isn’t available. Neither is Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal. Despite a first-round playoff exit, Philadelphia 76ers general manager Elton Brand has declared Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid off-limits as well. The best package Golden State has to attract a star — forward Andrew Wiggins, the No. 2 pick and Minnesota’s lightly protected 2021 first-round pick — would almost assuredly be available if any of those players do hit the trade market,” Bontemps reported.
That leaves just Marcus Smart and Jrue Holiday as potential newcomers for the Warriors. Both of them would fit right away with their team, as they’re two of the best backcourt defenders in the league, can knock down an occasional three-pointer, push the pace, and play on and off the ball.
The Warriors will have their core back at full strength next season. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Eric Paschall, and Draymond Green plus any of those players would make a fine Championship contender, for sure.
