The Golden State Warriors are contenders once again this season, and there is no doubt that they have been one of the best defensive teams in the league. While they are obviously a top-tier team, there are still ways that they can get better, perhaps via trade.
One of the ways the Warriors could improve is by getting a good big man, something that they don’t currently have on their roster. Christian Wood of the Houston Rockets could be a potential target. Our hypothetical trade scenario features Wood moving to the Warriors for James Wiseman, Kevon Looney, and a first-round pick.
Golden State Warriors Receive: Christian Wood
Houston Rockets Receive: James Wiseman, Kevon Looney, 2027 first-round pick (GSW)
The Golden State Warriors Get A Big Man That Fits Their System
Christian Wood is well-known for being a big man that can score on all three levels. He is currently averaging 16.8 PPG, 10.3 RPG, and 2.2 APG while shooting 34.1% from beyond the arc. While his 3PT percentage is a little lower than league average (34.8%), he shot 37.4% and 38.6% the previous two seasons, so there’s reason to believe that Wood can be a high-level shooter.
The Golden State Warriors are obviously a team that shoots a lot of 3PT shots, and Christian Wood would get great perimeter looks through in their system. He could also provide a better interior threat on offense than Kevon Looney, and would also give the roster a player that rebounds well and provides some size on defense.
Overall, Christian Wood would give the Golden State Warriors a big man that fits what they’re doing and is talented enough to be a difference-maker. He could even coexist with Draymond Green in a closing lineup, as he can shoot and is fairly mobile for a center. The Warriors wouldn’t have to give up a lot of players/picks to get him, and he’d certainly be a great win-now move.
The Houston Rockets Get A Trade Package For The Future
The Houston Rockets are a rebuilding team, and perhaps getting a package that is focused on getting a high-ranked prospect from the 2020 NBA Draft class and a future pick could pique their interest and get Christian Wood to the Warriors.
James Wiseman would be the biggest appeal for the Houston Rockets in this trade package. He was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, and he showed some tantalizing flashes as an athletic big man who could also stretch the floor. Perhaps getting touches on a rebuilding team like the Rockets could help him reach his potential. A two-big lineup featuring Alperen Sengun and James Wiseman could be interesting as well, as they are both skilled bigs.
The 2027 first-round pick would be there as draft compensation while Kevon Looney would be there to match contracts and be a veteran for a young squad. Overall, the Houston Rockets would get a solid deal for a player that recently refused to check into the game for them against the Denver Nuggets, and is too old for their rebuild. Perhaps it could be in the interest of both parties to part ways: Christian Wood would get to go to a contender, while the Rockets would get a talented big man who fits their timeline.
