The Golden State Warriors, once the dominant force in the NBA, find themselves at a crossroads in the current season. With a disappointing 18-22 record and sitting at the 12th spot in the competitive Western Conference, tough decisions lie ahead for the Warriors’ front office. The possibility of dismantling the core that brought them four NBA championships is now on the table. This article explores the challenging choices the Warriors must make regarding key players such as Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins, and their promising young core.
Should Warriors Trade Klay Thompson?
Yes Or No: No.
One of the cornerstones of the Warriors’ success in recent years, Klay Thompson, faces an uncertain future with the team. The sharpshooting guard, known for his historic performances and defensive prowess, has struggled to return to his pre-injury form after recovering from a torn ACL and Achilles injury. Despite being a fan favorite and an integral part of the Warriors’ success, trading Thompson might be a pragmatic move for the team’s long-term success.
Despite his current struggles and the looming $43 million contract, the argument against trading Thompson goes beyond mere numbers. Thompson’s status as a Warriors icon and his pivotal role in the team’s past successes make him a player with intangible value. His influence extends beyond the hardwood, shaping the franchise’s culture for more than a decade in the Bay.
Thompson’s current stats, reflecting 17.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 39 games this season, with a shooting percentage of 42.4 from the field and 38.6 from beyond the arc, showcase his enduring skill set. These statistics emphasize that he remains an integral part of the team’s fabric even if he’s not having a great individual season by his standards.
While financial considerations and the risk of losing him in free agency are legitimate concerns, the sentimental and strategic value of having a player like Thompson on the roster cannot be understated. The Warriors should recognize that loyalty to their legendary sharpshooter can pay dividends in the long run. Thompson’s experience, leadership, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations can be crucial assets as the team navigates through the challenges of rebuilding and re-establishing itself as a contender in the competitive Western Conference.
What About Trading Draymond Green?
Yes Or No: Yes.
As the Warriors grapple with their current standing and contemplate the tough decisions needed for a potential rebuild, the question of whether to trade Draymond Green arises. The answer, in this case, leans toward ‘yes.’ Green, a key figure in the Warriors’ championship runs, has shown signs of decline this season, both statistically and in his impact on the court.
In 16 games this season, Green has posted modest numbers, averaging 9.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. These figures fall below his usual standards, signaling a dip in his overall performance. Additionally, Green’s on-court behavior has been a cause for concern, with a 12-game suspension for altercations with Rudy Gobert and Jusuf Nurkic, reflecting a departure from the disciplined approach that defined his earlier years.
Perhaps most telling is Green’s plus-minus of -46, indicating that his presence on the court has been more detrimental than beneficial to the team’s success this season. In light of these factors, exploring a trade for Green becomes a logical step for the Warriors to consider.
Potential suitors for Green could include the Lakers, Miami Heat, or the Mavericks. These teams, with playoff aspirations, might see Green as a valuable addition to shore up their defense and provide a veteran presence. Green’s playoff experience and defensive prowess could make him an attractive option for teams eyeing a championship run.
Timing is crucial in any trade, and the current scenario presents the best opportunity for a Draymond Green trade. With his value potentially diminishing, the Warriors could capitalize on the market demand for an experienced and versatile forward. By making a strategic move now, the Warriors can acquire assets that align with their long-term vision and facilitate the development of their younger players.
Should They Move Andrew Wiggins Too?
Yes Or No: Yes.
The Warriors, facing a critical juncture in their season and potential roster overhaul, should seriously consider moving Andrew Wiggins. Despite the optimism surrounding Wiggins’ acquisition, his performance has not lived up to expectations, making a compelling case for exploring trade options.
Wiggins’ lackluster statistics this season – 11.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 36 games – underscore the underwhelming impact he has had on the court. Compared to his previous season, where he averaged 17.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, the decline in production is evident. The inconsistency in Wiggins’ performance raises concerns about his ability to contribute consistently to the team’s success.
The Warriors may look to leverage Wiggins as a trade asset to acquire a player of higher caliber. Rumors suggest they could target established names such as DeMar DeRozan or Zach LaVine, both of whom could bring scoring prowess and a more reliable offensive presence to the team.
If the Warriors were to move Andrew Wiggins, DeMar DeRozan surely would be a better offensive option for the franchise. DeRozan has an expiring contract this season with the Bulls, and Chicago is open to trading all of their stars before the Deadline since deciding to go towards a rebuild. On the same note, Zach LaVine could bring the offensive output the Warriors are lacking right now, as the Bulls would gladly move him away for a deal that includes a younger piece on the roster or a future first-rounder.
Exploring trade scenarios for Wiggins allows the Warriors to address their immediate needs and potentially inject fresh energy into the roster. Wiggins, despite his athleticism, has struggled to become a consistent scoring threat, and the Warriors might find better-fit options in the market to complement the remaining core, especially Stephen Curry.
The Warriors Should Keep Their Young Core
Jonathan Kuminga: Keep Him.
Moses Moody: Keep Him.
Trayce Jackson-Davis: Keep Him.
Brandin Podziemski: Keep Him.
As the Golden State Warriors face critical decisions regarding their roster and the potential departure of key veterans, it becomes increasingly crucial to assess and preserve their promising young core. Among these rising stars are Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Brandin Podziemski – four players who represent the future of the franchise.
Jonathan Kuminga has showcased significant potential, averaging 13.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 39 games. Despite reported discontent with his current playing time and opportunities, Kuminga’s athleticism, versatility, and scoring ability make him a cornerstone for the Warriors’ future. The front office should prioritize addressing his concerns and providing him with the necessary development opportunities.
Moses Moody has displayed glimpses of his scoring prowess, averaging 8.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 34 games. Similar to Kuminga, Moody has expressed dissatisfaction with his playing time and opportunities. Given his potential as a scoring wing and defensive asset, the Warriors should invest in Moody’s development and integrate him further into their rotation.
Trayce Jackson-Davis, a rookie drafted in the second round, has emerged as a pleasant surprise for the Warriors. His contributions as a young interior presence, averaging 7.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 30 games, highlight his potential to become a valuable asset for the team. Keeping Jackson-Davis in the mix and nurturing his growth could pay dividends for the Warriors in the long run.
Selected as the 19th pick in the recent draft, Brandin Podziemski has shown promise, reminiscent of the impact Jordan Poole had for the Warriors. Podziemski’s stat line of 9.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 34 games suggests that he could develop into a versatile contributor. The Warriors should embrace his potential as a key player off the bench and a potential building block for the future.
