The Golden State Warriors have been falling down the Western Conference standings slowly but steadily over the last 10 games. They have lost seven games over that stretch, hold a poor 9-10 record, and are not getting sufficient production from one of their key players: Andrew Wiggins. For whatever reason, no payer has performed up to par except superstar Stephen Curry (29.5 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.3 APG) and Wiggins is one of them.
He is only averaging 12.8 points per game on 43.4% from the field, 26.7% from three, and 59.3% from the free-throw line. Those are putrid numbers from the player who was the second-most impactful on the roster during the 2022 championship run. No doubt, considering how the first quarter of the season has gone, the Warriors need an injection of a new starting swingman since Wiggins has not performed and he could be better off in a new market.
It is time to break down the five star players the Golden State Warriors can acquire to upgrade their starting lineup and give Stephen Curry and company some new hope for the 2023-24 season. Remember, the Warriors are going all-in for a championship this season and need reinforcements as soon as possible and can accomplish that with trades involving Andrew Wiggins.
O.G. Anunoby
The first deal on the table gives the Warriors a go-to perimeter defender to place on the opposing team’s scorers without having to sacrifice shooting although it requires a hefty trade package.
Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: O.G. Anunoby, Gary Trent Jr.
Toronto Raptors Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Gary Payton II, 2027 First-Round Pick
In this proposed trade scenario, the Golden State Warriors would acquire O.G. Anunoby and Gary Trent Jr. from the Toronto Raptors, presenting a compelling blend of defensive prowess and three-point shooting. Anunoby, a versatile forward, brings an elite defensive skill set, excelling in perimeter defense and providing the Warriors with a formidable option to guard the opposition’s best offensive threats.
His ability to switch seamlessly between positions fits seamlessly into the Warriors’ defensive schemes, complementing the defensive intensity established by Draymond Green. Additionally, Anunoby’s burgeoning offensive game, marked by improved three-point shooting (41.5% this season) and slashing ability, adds a valuable dimension to Golden State’s scoring arsenal. This season, Anunoby is posting 14.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game.
Gary Trent Jr., known for his sharpshooting prowess (career 38.3%), bolsters the Warriors’ backcourt alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. His ability to stretch the floor with consistent three-point shooting creates spacing for Curry’s playmaking and provides an additional scoring threat when defenses collapse on the Splash Brothers. Only averaging 11.4 points per game so far this season, his numbers will improve in the Warriors system.
On the flip side, the Toronto Raptors receive Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Gary Payton II, and a 2027 First-Round Pick in this proposed trade. Wiggins, a former top overall pick, offers the Raptors a scoring wing with the potential for offensive explosiveness. In a different environment, Wiggins could find a renewed sense of purpose and contribute as a secondary scoring option alongside the young core in Toronto.
Overall, this trade not only addresses the Warriors’ immediate needs but also provides the Raptors with a mix of established talent and promising young players, setting the stage for both teams to make strides in their respective trajectories.
Jerami Grant
Jerami Grant is a veteran forward who can defend, shoot the three, and run the break which makes him a perfect trade option for the Warriors, who need an injection of life.
Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Jerami Grant
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Moses Moody, 2027 First-Round Pick
Jerami Grant’s addition would bring a multifaceted skill set that complements the Warriors’ core players seamlessly. Offensively, Grant’s ability to score from various areas on the floor, including mid-range and beyond the arc (43.0% this season), would provide an additional scoring threat alongside the sharpshooting duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. His versatility in scoring (22.8 PPG this season) not only diversifies the team’s offensive options but also alleviates some of the scoring burden from the backcourt.
Defensively, Grant’s athleticism and length make him an excellent fit alongside Draymond Green, forming a formidable defensive duo in the frontcourt. This pairing could potentially create havoc for opposing offenses, disrupting passing lanes and protecting the rim effectively. Grant’s defensive prowess would enhance the Warriors’ ability to switch defensively, a key aspect of their defensive strategy, and contribute to their fast-break opportunities, a style of play that has been integral to their success.
Moreover, Jerami Grant’s playoff experience adds a valuable element to the Warriors’ roster. Having been a part of deep playoff runs with the Denver Nuggets, Grant brings a level of postseason acumen that can positively influence the team’s younger players and contribute to a winning culture. His experience in high-stakes situations could prove crucial in guiding the Warriors through the rigors of playoff basketball, especially as they aim to contend for another championship.
On the other side of the trade, Wiggins’ scoring ability and athleticism could provide the Trail Blazers with a dynamic wing presence, potentially thriving alongside Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, and Deandre Ayton. Moses Moody, a young and promising talent, adds depth to the Blazers’ roster and represents a building block for their future. The 2027 First-Round Pick further positions the Trail Blazers for long-term success, allowing them to continue their roster development.
Mikal Bridges
Mikal Bridges might not be immediately available, but he could be snatched from Brooklyn thanks to a major deal to bring him to Golden State in a simple yet interesting trade package.
Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Mikal Bridges, Royce O’Neale
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, 2027 First-Round Pick
Mikal Bridges, known for his defensive prowess and three-point shooting, brings a well-rounded skill set that aligns seamlessly with the Warriors’ emphasis on both ends of the floor. His ability to guard multiple positions effectively would complement Draymond Green’s defensive versatility, forming a formidable defensive tandem. Additionally, Bridges’ catch-and-shoot proficiency would provide an additional floor-spacing option for Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, crucial for the Warriors’ offensive schemes.
Meanwhile, Royce O’Neal (8.5 points, 5.4 rebounds per game), a tenacious defender and reliable three-point shooter, would further enhance the Warriors’ defensive capabilities. O’Neal’s ability to guard elite perimeter players and contribute offensively without needing many touches aligns well with the Warriors’ system, where ball movement and spacing are paramount. His presence on the wing adds depth to the rotation and provides Steve Kerr with a valuable tool for adjusting defensive matchups.
On the other side of the trade, the Brooklyn Nets would receive a mix of veterans who can be later traded and Kuminga who gives them a promising prospect to develop for the future. The 2027 First-Round Pick further bolsters the Nets’ assets, providing flexibility for future roster moves as they continue collecting them after the Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving trades.
In essence, this trade not only addresses the Warriors’ desire for defensive-minded players but also enhances their three-point shooting and overall depth. Mikal Bridges and Royce O’Neal’s contributions would be integral in elevating the Warriors’ chances of contention. Not to mention, Bridges is close to becoming an All-Star player in due time as he averaged 21.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game this season.
Pascal Siakam
The Toronto Raptors have held off on including Pascal Siakam on the trade market but the Warriors can jump in and acquire him in one of the biggest trades of the past few seasons.
Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Pascal Siakam
Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Gary Payton II, 2027 First-Round Pick
In this proposed trade scenario, the Golden State Warriors would acquire Pascal Siakam (19.9 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 5.1 APG) from the Toronto Raptors, a move that could significantly reshape their frontcourt and add another dynamic element to their championship-caliber roster. Siakam’s versatility as a forward with the ability to score inside, shoot from mid-range, and stretch the floor with three-point shooting aligns well with the Warriors’ offensive system. His skill set would add a new dimension to the team’s scoring options, providing a reliable scoring presence alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.
Defensively, Siakam’s capabilities further enhance the Warriors’ potential on that end of the floor. His agility, length, and shot-blocking ability make him a valuable asset in protecting the rim and switching defensively, a key aspect of the Warriors’ defensive schemes. Siakam’s defensive versatility would complement Draymond Green, creating a formidable frontcourt duo that could disrupt opponents and set the tone for the Warriors’ defensive identity.
Pascal Siakam’s potential role as a small-ball center for the Golden State Warriors adds an intriguing layer to this proposed trade. Siakam’s agility, versatility, and ability to defend multiple positions make him a formidable candidate for the center position in a small-ball lineup. His capacity to run the floor, shoot from various distances, and anchor the defense would provide the Warriors with a unique weapon, allowing them to exploit mismatches and dictate the pace of the game.
Moreover, Siakam’s championship experience, gained during the Toronto Raptors’ title run in 2019, brings a valuable pedigree to a Warriors team accustomed to contending for championships. On the flip side, the Toronto Raptors, facing a 9-10 record and possibly signaling a need for a rebuild, could leverage this trade to invest in young talent and position themselves for future success, acknowledging the challenges of competing at the highest level with their current core.
Brandon Ingram
The New Orleans Pelicans have been playing inspired basketball but anything in the NBA can change on a dime. Expect Brandon Ingram to become available if things start going south in New Orleans and the Warriors might have the most interesting trade offer.
Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Brandon Ingram
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, 2027 First-Round Pick
In the context of a potentially challenging trade scenario, the Golden State Warriors could bolster their roster significantly by acquiring Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans, currently holding a 10-9 record and playing solid basketball, might entertain trade discussions if circumstances change. Ingram, a dynamic scorer averaging 24.0 points per game this season, would seamlessly integrate into the Warriors’ system, providing a versatile offensive threat alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
The difficulty in accomplishing this trade arises from the Pelicans’ competitive performance and the need to carefully evaluate Ingram’s availability. Ingram’s fit within the Warriors’ core is marked by his ability to play as a small-ball power forward, adding a new dimension to the team’s lineup. His length, scoring proficiency, and playmaking skills (5.1 APG) make him a valuable asset, especially in transition, where he can push the break alongside the Warriors’ fast-paced style of play.
Defensively, Ingram’s versatility allows him to effectively guard multiple positions, aligning with the Warriors’ emphasis on switch-heavy defensive schemes. This capability would fortify their defense and contribute to their trademark ability to convert defensive stops into high-tempo offensive opportunities. He is 6’8” so defending four positions is not out of the question and he will improve that part of his game under Steve Kerr’s tutelage.
Considering the potential addition of Ingram, the Warriors would emerge as formidable contenders for the Western Conference Finals. Ingram’s scoring prowess, coupled with his fit within the Warriors’ established core, positions Golden State as a team capable of making a deep postseason run. Making the Conference Finals would be very likely, and Ingram would be the game-changer the Warriors are looking for.
