The Golden State Warriors are faltering as the weeks go by, and they might have reached the lowest point following a 36-point beatdown at the hands of the New Orleans Pelicans. To truly show the current state of the Warriors, everybody on the roster is on the trading block outside of Stephen Curry. That means players such as Andrew Wiggins, who is the player the Warriors want to trade most, along with assets such as Jonathan Kuminga and Draymond Green could be moved as soon as possible.
Stephen Curry’s production has not been enough (26.7 PPG) and it seems the point guard has had enough with the current roster. Klay Thompson is a free agent next season and considering he is the Splash Brother behind the dynasty, he won’t be tradable because teams won’t take the risk of trading for a free agent next season. With so many issues, the Warriors have a critical period leading up to the February trade deadline and there is actually an incredible way the team can return to the top of the West and save their season. Here are the steps to a major Warriors re–tooling around Stephen Curry to prevent the dynasty from toppling.
A Shocking Draymond Green Trade
Golden State Warriors Receive: DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic
Chicago Bulls Receive: Draymond Green, Kevon Looney, Gary Payton II, 2028 First-Round Pick
The first proposed trade between the Golden State Warriors and the Chicago Bulls marks a significant shift in the Warriors’ dynamics for the 2023-24 NBA season. At the center of this trade is the departure of Draymond Green, a key figure in the Warriors’ recent successes. Green’s suspension for 12 games due to on-court conduct has prompted the team to consider a change, and Green could be better off in another situation.
The acquisition of DeMar DeRozan (22.0 PPG, 5.4 APG) and Nikola Vucevic (16.7 PPG, 10.4 RPG) brings a fresh dynamic to the Golden State Warriors. DeRozan, known for his elite mid-range scoring and playmaking abilities, adds a versatile offensive threat alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. While not a prolific three-point shooter, DeRozan’s ability to create his own offense aligns with the Warriors’ style of play.
Vucevic, who will be the most talented center the Warriors dynasty has had, will provide Curry with a formidable inside-outside scoring option, averaging 20 points per game and showcasing three-point shooting prowess. The Chicago Bulls, in their rebuilding phase, gain valuable assets to shape the future of their roster and move on from their star players.
Blockbuster Deal For Pascal Siakam
Golden State Warriors Receive: Pascal Siakam, Gary Trent Jr.
Toronto Raptors Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Chris Paul, Jonathan Kuminga
The Toronto Raptors, seemingly in a rebuilding phase, are looking to build around young talents like Scottie Barnes and the recently acquired RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. Trading Pascal Siakam could be a strategic move to acquire assets that align with their long-term vision.
In return, the Golden State Warriors would secure the services of Pascal Siakam, a versatile modern big man known for his ability to attack the rim, handle the ball, pass, and score. Siakam’s skill set fits seamlessly with the Warriors’ style of play and provides a dynamic addition to their frontcourt as he is posting 22.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. The inclusion of Gary Trent Jr. adds further depth and scoring capability to the Warriors’ lineup as the shooter is averaging 11.4 points per game on 39.7% from three this season.
On the other side of the deal, the Toronto Raptors would receive Andrew Wiggins, a proven scorer with considerable upside, along with promising young talents in Jonathan Kuminga. Chris Paul, included in the trade, brings valuable veteran leadership and playmaking experience, serving as a transitional presence until further trade opportunities arise.
This trade not only addresses the immediate needs of both teams but also sets the stage for their respective future trajectories, with the Warriors gaining a modern big man in Siakam and the Raptors acquiring a mix of established and young talent to bolster their rebuilding efforts. The prospect of a twin-towers pairing in Golden State, alongside the Splash Brothers, adds an intriguing dimension to the Warriors’ title aspirations.
Starting Lineup
Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, DeMar DeRozan, Pascal Siakam, Nikola Vucevic
The newly proposed starting lineup for the Golden State Warriors featuring Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, DeMar DeRozan, Pascal Siakam, and Nikola Vucevic represents a formidable combination of talent and fit. With this lineup, the Warriors have the potential to recover from their 17-20 record (10th in offense and 22nd in defense), aiming to climb the Western Conference standings. The West appears open, with only the Nuggets, Clippers, and Timberwolves appearing as top contenders. However, the Warriors, armed with an upgraded roster, can surpass these teams in terms of talent and star power.
At the core of this starting lineup are the Splash Brothers, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, who form one of the most potent backcourt duos in NBA history. Their three-point shooting ability, off-ball movement, and chemistry on the court are well-established, providing a foundation for offensive success. DeMar DeRozan adds a dynamic scoring threat with his elite mid-range game and playmaking skills. His ability to create his own shot complements the shooting prowess of Curry and Thompson, offering a diversified offensive attack.
In the frontcourt, Pascal Siakam brings a modern, all-around game, combining rim protection, ball-handling, and scoring. His versatility allows the Warriors to play an up-tempo style while maintaining defensive stability. Nikola Vucevic, a skilled scoring big man with the ability to stretch the floor, provides a valuable inside-outside presence. The combination of Siakam and Vucevic creates a twin-towers scenario that can exploit mismatches and control the paint.
Bench
Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Gary Trent Jr, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Dario Saric, Bismack Biyombo
The proposed bench for the Golden State Warriors features a mix of young talents and experienced contributors, providing depth and versatility to complement the starting lineup. Brandin Podziemski, a promising rookie who was taken No. 19 overall in the 2023 Draft, brings scoring ability and defensive potential off the bench. His skills as a two-way player make him a valuable asset in providing a scoring spark and contributing on the defensive end as the new sixth man posting 8.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
Moses Moody, another young talent, has shown promise with his scoring and shooting ability. As a versatile wing player, Moody can provide valuable minutes off the bench, adding depth to the Warriors’ perimeter game because he is averaging 8.7 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. Gary Trent Jr., acquired in the earlier blockbuster trade, bolsters the second unit with his scoring prowess. Known for his three-point shooting and offensive versatility, Trent Jr. can be a key scoring option off the bench, providing valuable spacing and offensive firepower.
Trayce Jackson-Davis, a skilled big man, adds frontcourt depth to the bench. With scoring ability in the post and rebounding skills, Jackson-Davis contributes to the team’s interior presence and rim protection while Dario Saric, an experienced forward, brings a combination of scoring and playmaking.
The Warriors can also acquire Bismack Biyombo, a potential free-agent signing, adding a veteran presence and rim protection to the bench. Averaging 5.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game in 30 appearances this season, Biyombo would be a nice pickup for the re-tooled Warriors team.
Golden State Warriors Re-Tool And Make A Run To The NBA Finals
In the quest for an NBA Finals run, the Golden State Warriors can strategically re-tool their roster thanks to two blockbuster trades. With a starting lineup featuring the lethal Splash Brothers, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, the Warriors boast a dynamic backcourt capable of igniting offensive explosions. The addition of DeMar DeRozan, Pascal Siakam, and Nikola Vucevic brings a mix of scoring, playmaking, and versatility, creating a starting five that rivals the best in the league.
When comparing the Warriors to other Western Conference contenders, it’s evident that they possess more talent than the Nuggets, Clippers, and Timberwolves. The upgraded roster addresses previous weaknesses, and the twin-towers pairing of Siakam and Vucevic provides a unique advantage. Furthermore, the Warriors’ bench, featuring young talents like Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody, along with experienced contributors like Gary Trent Jr. and Bismack Biyombo, adds depth that surpasses that of the Celtics and Bucks.
As the Warriors embark on this journey, the unselfish mix of stars on the roster sets the stage for a harmonious and effective team dynamic. Curry and Thompson lead the charge with their unparalleled shooting ability and chemistry. Steve Kerr will be able to integrate the scoring and playmaking skills of the newly acquired stars as they can still go five out on offense and also bring interior presence around the paint to boost their poor defense. With this major re-tooling, the Warriors are the favorite to make the 2023-24 Finals and win it all.
