The Warriors are 19-17 so far this season and are a much more competitive team than people would have expected. Despite the loss of Klay Thompson, Curry is playing at an MVP level and is leading the Warriors to a playoff spot in a competitive Western Conference.
But a first-round exit is not in the plans for the Warriors. Even without Klay, Curry has been shown he can carry the team to the Playoffs. But he needs help if the Warriors want to make a Playoff push, and dare we say, a shot at the Western Conference Finals. By making an assortment of picks and young players available, here are the 5 biggest targets for the Golden State Warriors before the trade deadline.
5. Lonzo Ball
2020-2021 Statistics: 14.7 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 5.2 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Trade Package: Kelly Oubre Jr. for Lonzo Ball
Lonzo Ball does not put up big numbers, and for any casual fan, he has been a bust in the NBA. But make no mistake, Lonzo is a player that helps teams win games. He is a versatile defender who can handle multiple on the court when asked and has also improved his 3-point shot (shooting 39.6% this season).
The Warriors could use another playmaker to help Curry and a defender with the absence of Klay Thompson. A package of a couple of second-round picks and a young player could convince the Pelicans to sell because Ball is falling in the pecking order behind Eric Bledsoe.
4. Nikola Vucevic
2020-2021 Statistics: 24.6 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Trade Package: Kelly Oubre Jr., Kevon Looney, Brad Wanamaker, two future first-round picks for Nikola Vucevic
In terms of a low-post scoring star who also has range, Nikola Vicevic is one of the best in the league. Vucevic is shooting 41.2% from three this season and is very effective at scoring the ball against any defender. Curry coming off screens will be a massive headache for defenses with Vucevic down low, and Golden State could always use a go-to scorer in the paint.
Vucevic is having another All-Star-caliber season this year and he is the heart and soul of the Orlando Magic. Acquiring Vucevic would require a strong package from the Warriors, but if Golden State Warriors want to aim for the Western Conference Finals, they have to push for the Magic’s center.
3. LaMarcus Aldridge
2020-2021 Statistics: 13.7 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.9 BPG
Trade Package: Kelly Oubre Jr., Kevon Looney, Alen Smailagic for LaMarcus Aldridge
LaMarcus Aldridge was once recognized as the best power forward in the NBA for his ability to score the ball from the mid-range and inside the paint. With the Portland Trail Blazers, Aldridge was a legitimate All-NBA performer and could be a number one option in an offense with ease. But Aldridge is past his best and is suitable for a role as the third option for a contender.
That makes him a perfect fit for Golden State. Aldridge is averaging 13.7 PPG and 4.5 RPG this season while playing 21 total games. He can be trusted in the Warriors’ offense because he will always have the ability to score the ball with his soft touch. By taking advantage of the power forward’s age, the Golden State Warriors can snatch up LaMarcus Aldridge to revive his career and help him become a critical part of a winning team.
2. Karl-Anthony Towns
2020-2021 Statistics: 22.0 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 3.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.7 BPG
Trade Package: James Wiseman, Kelly Oubre, Eric Paschall, 2021 Timberwolves pick, two future first-round picks, two second-round picks for Karl-Anthony Towns
Golden State fans drool over the idea of Towns pairing up with Curry and Klay in possibly the most talented Big Three in the NBA behind Brooklyn’s. Playing with the Warriors would boost his growth tremendously and he might become the MVP player we all expect of him. Towns is a bonafide All-Star and a franchise player who is extremely versatile on both ends. Towns can be a lockdown defender in the paint and also be the number one option on offense.
The Minnesota Timberwolves hold Towns in the highest regard as an untouchable piece, but the team is not going anywhere. They have a complete lack of understanding of how to win games, while the Warriors clearly do. Stephen Curry and Towns would be enough for the Warriors to be a threat this season, and once Klay is back, the league better be put on notice.
1. Bradley Beal
2020-2021 Statistics: 32.9 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Trade Package: Kelly Oubre Jr., James Wiseman for Bradley Beal
Out of all the available targets in the market right now for Golden State, Bradley Beal is the single best fit for Golden State. The Warriors need a replacement for Klay Thompson this season, and even when Klay returns, Beal could be the third Splash Brother. Beal is the best scorer in the league right now, averaging 32.9 PPG in a scintillating fashion.
Bradley Beal and Stephen Curry would be enough to possibly carry the Warriors to the Western Conference Finals. Curry is averaging 29.7 PPG this season as well, and the Warriors would be certainly willing to let go of all their available assets for Beal. The Wizards have been on a solid winning streak this season, but if the Warriors give up picks and assets, this could happen.
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