The Golden State Warriors’ 5-year run is one that will be talked about for ages. During this run, they won three championships, won the most games in a single season in NBA History, and signed one of the greatest scorers of all time.
This past offseason looked to be the end of the Warriors’ dominant run as Kevin Durant opted to sign with the Brooklyn Nets. Now, the Warriors are fighting for the top pick in the 2020 NBA draft and are looking to come back stronger next season.
This upcoming offseason, the Warriors will have to make some drastic changes if they want to return to their dominant form. With the trade assets and draft capital they have, they will have an opportunity to make a splash move this upcoming offseason. Here is the dream scenario for the Golden State Warriors.
1. D’Angelo Russell For Ben Simmons
The Philadelphia 76ers were a team that many expected to represent the East in the NBA finals and now, many have their doubts. The Sixers’ roster fit is suspect and if they don’t go far this postseason, they will have some big decisions to make. If the Sixers are looking to split up the pairing of Embiid – Simmons, the Warriors should take advantage.
A potential trade would be D’Angelo Russell for Ben Simmons and a cap filler. Ben Simmons would be an immediate improvement over Draymond Green, would strive in the Warriors’ system alongside lethal shooters, and is young so he could become your franchise player once Stephen Curry retires.
D-Lo would be a better fit for the Sixers and adds another scorer, three-point shooter, and playmaker. The defense on the Sixers would be able to hide D-Lo’s flaws and the pairing of D-Lo/Embiid would be deadly for many years.
2. Trade For Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis has been linked to the Warriors for most of the season and would be an ideal fit. Giannis’s situation with the Bucks is an interesting one and one that could go south quickly. The Bucks are currently the best team in the NBA but, if they are unable to win a championship, Giannis could explore other options.
This situation is one that could become similar to LeBron’s situation during his first stint with the Cavaliers in that the Bucks have made some big mistakes, not re-signing Malcolm Brogdon, that could determine whether or not they win a championship. Though unlikely, if Giannis were to request a trade, the Warriors would have the trade assets to make a trade work.
A potential trade would be Giannis Antetokounmpo in exchange for Draymond Green, Eric Paschall, their top pick in the 2020 NBA draft, and their first-round picks for the foreseeable future. Giannis paired up with Steph, Klay, and Simmons would automatically become title favorites. This team would be deadly with their combination of size, shooting, defense, and scoring. Also, the pairing of Simmons-Giannis could become dangerous if Giannis’s three continues to improve.
3. Sign Giannis Antetokounmpo In 2021
If Giannis does decide to walk in free agency next year, the Warriors would be able to get him through a sign-and-trade. This option is better as the Warriors wouldn’t have to give up as much. A potential deal for the sign-and-trade would be Giannis for Draymond Green, Jordan Poole, and future picks. Again, Giannis would make the Warriors instant title contenders and they would have tons of success for years to come.
The Bucks would still be a great team in the East without Giannis and a pairing of Khris Middleton and Draymond Green could potentially lead them to the Eastern Conference Finals.
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