The Golden State Warriors currently find themselves with the second-best record in the NBA at 35-13. They are legitimate championship contenders with Klay Thompson back to full health.
So why would Golden State even think about making a deal before the NBA trade deadline? There are several reasons for this. First of all, injuries have plagued this team to some extent. Draymond Green and James Wiseman are ruled out. There is also some concern over the depth of the frontcourt behind the aforementioned Green and Kevon Looney.
Below, we take a look at three trades the Warriors should be looking to complete before the Feb. 10 NBA trade deadline.
Related: NBA Trade Rumors Update
Golden State Warriors trade Mike Muscala
- Warriors get: Mike Muscala
- Thunder get: Juan Toscano-Anderson, Nico Mannion, second-round pick
It’s unclear when James Wiseman will return to court for Golden State. The former No. 2 pick has missed the entire 2021-22 season so far with a knee injury. That leaves the Warriors incredibly short in the frontcourt. This is amplified with Draymond Green also sidelined with injury. Adding the underrated Muscala to go with Kevon Looney would be a nice under-the-radar move. It would also stretch the field given Muscala’s ability to shoot all three.
- Mike Muscala’s stats (2021-22): 8.1 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 46% shooting, 43% three point
Oklahoma City finds itself in complete reconstruction mode. He’s trying to acquire as many draft pick assets as possible to help speed up said rebuild. Picking a second-round pick for a 30-year-old center that doesn’t fit with the team’s long-term plans makes sense. OKC also picks up the underrated Toscano-Anderson (5.2 PPG, 53% shooting in three NBA seasons). An expanded role would do the Oakland native good.
Related: Where do the Golden State Warriors rank in Sportsnaut’s NBA Power Rankings?
Golden State Warriors add depth to Portland Trail Blazers
- Warriors get: Ben McLemore, Dennis Smith Jr.
- Blazers get: Juan Toscano-Anderson, Nico Mannion, two second-round picks
Depth? Why? The Warriors go about 13 deep. What would that accomplish by adding more rotational pieces to a roster that struggles to give minutes to talented players? Well, it’s pretty simple. Most of the Warriors’ depth is on the wing with Andrew Wiggins, Otto Porter Jr., Andre Iguodala and Jonathan Kuminga. The team could use more depth in the backcourt. McLemore and Smith Jr. (combined 15.1 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 4.2 APG) would provide that.
Now why would the Blazers help a conference rival? It’s also quite simple. Acquiring two future second-round picks for the veterans that don’t align with the team’s long-term plans makes sense. As for Toscano-Anderson, he would be a major improvement on the defensive wing.
Related: NBA Playoffs and Sportsnaut Championship Predictions
Golden State Warriors land Marvin Bagley III from Sacramento Kings
- Warriors get: Marvin Bagley III, 2023 first-round pick
- Kings get: James Wiseman
Publicly, the Warriors brass are denouncing rumors that Wiseman could be engaged in a trade. It’s unclear if it’s to increase his value ahead of the NBA’s trade deadline. What we do know is that Wiseman has played in all 39 games since Golden State made him the No. 2 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. That looks a lot like a pick bust with LaMelo Ball as the No. ° 3.
Either way, 25-year-old Kevon Looney is having the best season of his career. He’s averaging 6.1 points and 7.3 rebounds on 55% shooting from the field. Golden State doesn’t necessarily need a dynamic center with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Andre Wiggins doing their thing on the perimeter. However, the Dubs could use traditional backup power towards the injured Draymond Green. Bagley III would complete the rotation considerably.
As for the Kings, we know they are looking to move 22-year-old Bagley. Why not try to get a potential franchise cornerstone on the inside to go with guards De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton? By giving up a protected first-round pick in 2023, Sacramento is doing just that. If healthy, Wiseman could become an All-Star caliber player.
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