The Golden State Warriors are back on the right track after they committed to their win-now direction over the winter with the acquisition of Jimmy Butler. They’ve been flying through the NBA since Butler joined the team, going 15-4. While they can’t make more win-now moves this season, this sample size will convince them they’re real contenders with this core. Assuming they fail to win a title, it could provide the impetus for more win-now moves in the summer.
The Portland Trail Blazers have been surprisingly competitive this season with a 32-40 record. The emergence of Deni Avdija has been key in this competitive streak, but the franchise core includes the likes of Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. If they don’t have an immediate win-now window, Avdija could fetch some healthy assets back, as could Robert Williams.
The Warriors should target those two players in a potential summer trade.
Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Deni Avdija, Robert Williams III
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, 2027 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2031 First-Round Pick (GSW)
This deal gives the Blazers two high-potential youngsters with two future picks. The 2031 pick in particular could be highly valuable as it’s beyond the timeline of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Butler. Meanwhile, the Warriors land two relatively young players who can help them win right now and provide value in the future.
The Warriors Build An Enviable Starting Five
The Warriors have a strong roster this season, but it’s not one that people expect can compete with the best teams in the NBA. The Warriors could make a run to the second round or Conference Finals, but it’s hard to see them credibly beating a team like the OKC Thunder. If they beef up their starting five up with these talented additions, it’s hard to count them out against any team in the NBA.
Deni Avdija is averaging 15.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists this season. He had a slow start, as evidenced by his averages of 25.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists over the last seven games, proving he has All-Star potential as a two-way forward.
Robert Williams has averaged 5.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks. His injury troubles make him a questionable acquisition, but if healthy, he’d be the perfect starting center for the franchise.
A five of Curry, Butler, Avdija, Draymond, and Williams would be lethal. Curry and Avdija will be offensive leaders with Butler contributing at a high level on both ends. Draymond and Williams will comprise the defensive spine of the team while retaining rotational contributors like Buddy Hield, Moses Moody, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Gui Santos, and more.
The Blazers Get Assets And Talented Young Players
The Trail Blazers are still in the process of developing their roster under head coach Chauncey Billups. The progression shown by Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe has made them future franchise building blocks. While Avdija has been important as well, given the price they acquired him at last season. The fact he’s not homegrown makes him a great option for a quick asset flip.
Jonathan Kuminga is averaging 16.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists this season. The 22-year-old is still considered a high-potential forward, so acquiring him and hoping he has a similar developmental leap as Avdija could be the best move forward. Brandin Podziemski is averaging 10.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, and is a coveted do-it-all wing swingman.
Kuminga and Podziemski together are fantastic young additions to the Blazers rotation, giving them scope to be competitive as soon as next season. The additional picks make the deal even sweeter, especially the value of the 2031 pick which is heightened due to the Warriors’ uncertain long-term future given the age of their core.
A Win-Now Deal With Two Happy Partners
Both teams get what they bargain for in this deal. Avdija is a highly portable forward who’s taken a scoring leap this season while also showing great defensive instincts in the frontcourt. He’d be an excellent help defender and could carry a great offensive burden in the regular season. He’s a deft playmaker for his position, a high-energy rebounder, and a competent scorer. It’s a perfect addition.
Robert Williams might not be able to endure the grind of a full season, but if he’s healthy from February onwards, he’d be a major contributor as well. It lessens the load Draymond carries defensively, with these additions boosting the Warriors in the positions they need.
The Blazers can find ways to readjust around a newer and younger core with quality talent. The picks are a bonus, and there’s a world where both Kuminga and Podziemski develop into being better assets than Avdija or Williams.
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