With Klay Thompson set to miss his second straight season, the Golden State Warriors are doing what they can to salvage the season. Trading for Kelly Oubre Jr. was a good start, but the Warriors should consider doing more if they want to maximize their chances to win.
Despite countless critics, Russell Westbrook is a guy that can help them meet their goals. A former MVP and 9x All-Star, pairing him with the best shooter in basketball history would certainly do a lot in furthering their cause to win a Championship.
As presented by Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, the Dubs might actually have the assets to pull it off in a three-team deal with the Rockets and Pistons.
Golden State Warriors Receive: PG Russell Westbrook
Detroit Pistons Receive: SF Andrew Wiggins, C Kevon Looney
Houston Rockets Receive: PF Blake Griffin
“With Klay Thompson lost for the year to an Achilles injury, the Warriors should explore all areas to add talent. By absorbing Kelly Oubre Jr. into their trade exception, they proved they clearly aren’t afraid to spend, either. While Westbrook is overpaid, he’s a clear talent upgrade over Wiggins and could start in the Warriors backcourt alongside Stephen Curry. Filling out the rest of the lineup with Oubre, Draymond Green and James Wiseman could put the Warriors back toward the top of the West.”
Last season, Westbrook averaged 27 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7 assists per game on 47.2% shooting. If he can come anywhere close to those numbers in Golden State, they can become instant title favorites.
In Detroit, swapping Griffin for the younger Wiggins makes sense for multiple reasons, especially for a team that looks ready to start from scratch.
The Pistons should be happy to take on the 25-year-old Wiggins if it means moving on from Griffin, especially if Looney (24) is included for depth.
Interestingly, the Rockets could save millions by swapping Westbrook (who has already demanded a trade) for 6x All-Star, Blake Griffin.
Regardless of what the Rockets do with James Harden, swapping Westbrook for Griffin would mean saving $47.1 million during the 2022-23 season.
In just the past few days alone, we’ve seen several teams make win-now moves that could see them rise to the top of their Conference. For the Warriors, Rockets, and Pistons, why not outdo them all by completing a blockbuster trade of their own?
With so much at stake, swapping some key players might be the right move if it brings them closer to the ultimate prize.
