The Golden State Warriors are projected to be among the biggest contenders for the title next season. With Steph Curry and Klay Thompson slated to return, their star-studded core will keep them competitive, even in the uber-talented Western Conference.
But the Dubs have never been a team known to stay stagnant in the offseason. Considering all the assets they currently possess, it makes sense that they try to strike a deal for the sake of improving the roster even further.
While we don’t know who the Warriors might pursue, there is one name they should seriously consider if they’re serious about building another superteam: Devin Booker.
The Suns guard is one of the best young stars in the league who averaged over 26 points per game last season. His shot-creating ability, along with the shooting talents of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, would create an insanely powerful trio.
But could they really pull it off?
Suns Add Depth, Reset The Clock
Booker might really be unhappy in Phoenix, meaning it’s only a matter of time until he either requests out or packs his bags in free agency. Should the Suns act on that possibility now? If they don’t, and it ends up that they are forced to trade him later, they could end up regretting not making a move now.
Consider this: Phoenix gives up Booker for Andrew Wiggins, Eric Paschall, and the No. 2 pick in the upcoming draft. It sounds a bit underwhelming for the Suns at first, but those feelings can be offset when you realize both Wiggins and Paschall have been selected to All-Rookie teams. Both are also still under 25, meaning neither has reached their peak.
Those young studs, along with the No. 2 pick, gives Phoenix three solid players for the price of one (supposedly unhappy) star.
Most importantly, the Suns get more time to convince their players a long-term future with the team can result in Championships. They would no longer be bound by the threat of Booker’s looming departure.
With a stockpile of picks and young stars, Phoenix could become a legitimate threat in the next few years — and might have a shot to finally end their long and brutal streak of missed playoffs appearances.
Warriors Go All-In On Title Chase
Both Steph, Klay, and Draymond are on the wrong side of 30, meaning they are all likely closer to the end of their career than the beginning. With no telling how long they’ll have before Father Time takes its toll, the Dubs can’t afford to be conservative with their assets.
So, while the Golden State Warriors have enough right now to stay competitive in the West, they might need a little more if they really want to re-create the success they’ve had in years past.
Getting Booker, even in exchange for some security in the future, might be worth it if it means the chance to compete for titles over the next 3-5 seasons.
An offense with three prime-time shooters and scorers like Booker, Steph, and Klay, would be literally impossible to stop and it’s hard not to think that at least a few Championships would follow.
Last season, Book averaged 26.6 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game on 48.9% shooting.
It’s now or never for this team, and there’s no reason for them not to bet on the now, especially when the option is there to create an offensive juggernaut like nothing we’ve ever seen before.
