The Golden State Warriors are expected to be one of the most aggressive teams heading into the offseason. Although their postseason run came to a disappointing end, the team hasn’t wavered in its approach towards competing for a title.
What has been noted, however, is that their traditional outlook towards playing fast and fluid with a “small-ball” lineup may not be the direction to head in. By virtue of slower defensive switches and reduced efficiency from beyond the arc, the Dubs may look at pivoting. This, in itself, has given rise to the need for a big man.
Golden State’s pursuit of a solid center has seen them linked to several players in the trade market as well as free agency. From reliable veterans like Brook Lopez to potential trade acquisitions like Kristaps Porzingis, the Warriors have explored several alternatives.
The team currently features two promising young big men in Trayce Jackson-Davis and Quentin Post. Although both are interesting prospects, it appears more likely that they are willing to part ways with Jackson-Davis if it facilitates the arrival of a talented center.
With this outlook in mind, we present a potential trade package that helps the Dubs land a talented and athletic big man in Onyeka Okongwu from the Atlanta Hawks.
Proposed Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Onyeka Okongwu
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Moses Moody, Trayce Jackson-Davis, 2026 first-round pick
The Warriors Add Depth To Their Frontcourt Rotation
Onyeka Okongwu could prove to be a solid addition to this Warriors team. As it stands, the Dubs have a stretch 5 with Post taking up the spot. But there will always be a place for a versatile athletic big man who can run the floor and act as a lob threat as well.
Okongwu boasts tremendous athletic ability at his size. Although marginally undersized for a center, the 24-year-old has shown a lot of upside as a presence under the rim alongside a pick-and-roll point guard like Trae Young.
The Hawks’ big man notched an average of 13.4 points and 8.9 rebounds per game on an efficient 56.7% shooting from the field. While he is capable of stretching the floor to some extent, he only took 2.0 shots per game from beyond the arc, hence skewing the numbers.
Okongwu displays a lot of potential on both sides of the floor. Although his average of 0.9 blocks per game doesn’t provide much to be inspired by, he has showcased a lot of effort while acting as a rim protector.
The ideal use for the 24-year-old may be as a replacement for Kevon Looney, who may be on the way out of the Warriors, as they pivot to develop their younger frontcourt. Coming off the bench may lead to more production out of Okongwu, who could be a menace against opposing second units.
The Hawks Receive Solid Reinforcements
This trade proposal would have some benefits for the Hawks as well. Atlanta is a team that is currently languishing in mediocrity. Led by an All-Star guard in Trae Young, the Hawks are routinely underachieving, despite their talented roster.
While their shortcomings could be attributed to many things, they may be able to solve some of their issues by acquiring Moses Moody and Trayce Jackson-Davis in this trade.
Moody’s arrival may be considered a huge move for the Hawks. On a team that features the MIP Dyson Daniels, Moody would find himself competing for a starting spot with a very gifted defensive player.
The 22-year-old has showcased a lot of talent as a two-way player. His averages of 9.8 points and 2.6 rebounds per game aren’t a great indicator of his potential. Having seen a steady and gradual improvement in performance with the Warriors, Moody may be prepared to make a big move to earn more minutes, as the likelihood of a return to the Dubs seems low.
At only $11.5 million, Moody is a steal, and with three more years on his contract, the Hawks could see him develop into a very reliable rotation player. His hard-nosed effort and hustle will undoubtedly be of value to a team looking to make a comeback in the East.
Similarly, the scope for Jackson-Davis is also intriguing. With Okongwu heading to Golden State and Clint Capela potentially leaving as an unrestricted free agent, the Warriors’ big man may find himself in a position to earn very significant minutes in Atlanta.
The 25-year-old is a very similar player to Okongwu. As an athletic big man with upside, he would pair very well with the likes of Young. His averages of 6.6 points and 5.0 rebounds per game aren’t great indicators of his ability, as he only played an average of 15.6 minutes per game last season.
A young center would fit Atlanta’s timeline with their star guard as well. While he won’t transform the team into title contenders, he would help stabilize their frontcourt rotation.
In addition to this, the Hawks will also receive a key draft pick for next season. Considering the success they have had with Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta could look to add more valuable depth using this pick.
Trade Proposal Facilitating Future Developments
The trade isn’t a blockbuster move by any means. Regardless, it has massive implications for the roster moving forward.
A trade like this would see the Warriors shift their attention to developing their wing depth. Their interest in De’Anthony Melton could potentially yield great results. Additionally, factoring in Jonathan Kuminga’s departure, the Dubs would have the cap space to attempt to sign a superstar as well.
Meanwhile, the Hawks become a marginally more competitive team. While their priorities will involve improving their roster depth, the process will be set in motion by following through with this trade.
