The Golden State Warriors have gotten off to a very poor start. They have dropped their first 2 games in blowout losses and barely defeated the Chicago Bulls in their third game with a 1-point victory, courtesy of a game-winner by Damion Lee. So far, the Warriors have been a shell of themselves.
With only Stephen Curry left to fend for himself, nobody expects much of the Warriors. Klay Thompson is out for the season and Draymond Green has yet to return fully healthy either. But the franchise shouldn’t give up, as they have some attractive trade pieces that they can use to acquire some top quality targets.
By offering a package centered around Andrew Wiggins, Kelly Oubre Jr, Eric Paschall, and the valuable Timberwolves pick (No. 1-3 protected); here are the most realistic trade options to help Stephen Curry in Golden State.
5. Aaron Gordon
2020-2021 Statistics: 16.8 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 3.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Aaron Gordon has had his name on the rumor mill for at least the past season and a half but has otherwise done an admirable job for the Orlando Magic. Gordon’s athleticism and size are perfect in today’s NBA because he can play multiple positions and be effective on offense.
Playing alongside Stephen Curry allows Gordon to run on the break, finish inside, and also spot up for threes. The Warriors need more talent on the roster to make the Playoffs, and Gordon has plenty of that. He is only 25 years old and has plenty of potential to be reached, making him the first available target for Golden State.
4. Zach LaVine
2020-2021 Statistics: 25.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.5 BPG
LaVine is a budding All-Star, and it is clear to see by his career year last season. LaVine has also gotten off to a strong start this season by averaging 24.0 PPG on 47.3% shooting including a 33-point performance against the Golden State Warriors.
LaVine gives the Warriors a much-needed shooter and scorer along with someone who is Box Office with his play. The Warriors want to win, but they want to play attractive basketball and LaVine would be a wonderful fit next to Stephen Curry. With the absence of Klay Thompson, LaVine’s athleticism and scoring will provide a considerable boost for the team.
3. CJ McCollum
2020-2021 Statistics: 21.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.9 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG
The Portland Trail Blazers have high expectations this season after trading for Robert Covington and returning with a healthy Jusuf Nurkic. McCollum is a professional scorer and one of the best 2-guards in the NBA. If there is a perfect replacement for Klay Thompson, it is CJ McCollum.
McCollum shot 37.9% from three last season, and his scoring ability might actually usurp what Klay brings on a game to game basis. Although he isn’t nearly as effective as Klay on defense, he can be the perfect replacement for Golden State and the Warriors should strike a deal with Portland if possible.
2. Pascal Siakam
2020-2021 Statistics: 21.1 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.8 BPG
Pascal Siakam is the franchise player for the Toronto Raptors, but that doesn’t mean he is untouchable. Siakam is a very good 2-way player but he isn’t good enough to lead Toronto to the Eastern Conference Finals every season. He isn’t a go-to scorer and isn’t athletic enough to be the most impactful talent on the floor for the Raptors.
Where Siakam can prosper is in a secondary role like when he played with Kawhi Leonard. Stephen Curry and Pascal Siakam would form one of the best duos in the NBA, and the addition of James Wiseman creates a talented Big Three that can hold the fort down when Klay Thompson returns.
1. Joel Embiid
2020-2021 Statistics: 28.0 PPG, 13.9 RPG, 3.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.7 BPG
The Warriors could make a big splash for a superstar and trade for a dominant low post center like Joel Embiid. The duo of Simmons and Embiid doesn’t seem to work yet again, and the Sixers haven’t looked convincing enough on the court. Making a move could be in Philadelphia’s best interest.
Embiid might be available, and the Warriors can acquire him and surround him with the two best shooters in the NBA once Klay Thompson returns. Embiid can dominate down low and force teams to double, opening up the floor for Stephen Curry. The Warriors would have an Inside-Outside attack that they never had before, and the big man would guarantee a top-4 seeding in the West for Golden State.
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