ESPN’s Bobby Marks says Detroit would have a hard time turning down a specific package from Golden State.
The 2021 NBA Draft is scheduled for July 29, meaning we should see plenty of rumors and hot takes floating around for the next 11 days.
One team that will be at the center of the trade talks is the Golden State Warriors. The Dubs hold two lottery picks — Nos. 7 and 14 — and general manager Bob Myers is reportedly exploring all of his options with the pair of selections.
The Warriors are in a position not seen often in the NBA. Led by Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, they have championship aspirations for the 2021-22 campaign while also holding two lottery picks.
Myers could look to balance the short and long-term needs of the organization, with Curry, Thompson and Green all being over the age of 31. The Dubs also have last year’s No. 2 pick James Wiseman on the roster and could look to move the 20-year-old to add an established veteran.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks explored different trade options involving the number one overall pick, which the Detroit Pistons hold. Marks suggested a deal involving Golden State and Detroit.
Detroit Pistons receive: James Wiseman, No. 7, No. 14 and 2022 unprotected first
Golden State Warriors receive: The No. 1 pick, No. 37, Rodney McGruder and Jahlil Okafor
Bobby Marks: This is a type of trade that the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions would make the night of the NFL draft, not the Pistons and Warriors in late July. The cost to move up to No. 1 is rich for the Warriors. Last year’s no. 2 pick, Wiseman, both lottery selections (7 and 14) and an unprotected 2022 first are sent to Detroit. The Warriors are pushing all their draft assets to the middle of the table (an unprecedented four first-round picks if you include Wiseman) with the belief that the selection of Cunningham fits the roster timeline of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson. The thought of trading out of the top spot is not an easy decision for Detroit, especially with the ability to select between Cunningham, Green, Mobley and Jalen Suggs. However, the temptation to add last year’s second pick in Wiseman, two potential starters and a future asset is an offer that Pistons GM Weaver could not turn down.
The Dubs would make this trade to land Oklahoma State product Cade Cunningham, who looks to be the consensus No. 1 pick. At 6-8, 220 pounds, Cunningham has all the physical tools to grow into an All-Star in the NBA.
He averaged 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists during his freshman season with the Cowboys. If the Warriors were able to land Cunningham somehow, they will have a long-term piece in place that could take over the leadership of the team as Curry, Thompson and Green go into the twilight of their careers.
Here is NBADraftRoom.com’s scouting report on Cunningham:
Cade is adept at scoring in the lane, from mid-range and can hit the three-point shot.
His style of play is reminiscent of Luka Doncic, with excellent court vision, change of pace and body control. His elite BBIQ and feel for the game, combined with his 6-8 frame make him a nightmare to defend.
He’s at his best breaking defenders down off the dribble and finding teammates and he’s got a knack for scoring in the lane. He’s lethal in pick-and-roll situations and just knows how to manipulate the defense. He’s also a deadly 3pt shooter who can hit the step-back and knows how to create space for his shot.
The one area that is lacking is elite speed and run/jump athleticism. He’s able to drive into the lane using his size and deft handles but he doesn’t have a blazing first step and has just average quickness.
Cade is the ideal position-less basketball player who can play on or off the ball and guard 1-3.
What do you think of the trade Marks proposes? Would you be willing to part with Wiseman, two lottery picks and a future first to land Cunningham?
On to some links:
Could the Dubs be in the market for an established NBA point guard? One report says the Warriors are intrigued by Collin Sexton of the Cleveland Cavaliers. (NBC Sports Bay Area)
Green struggled shooting from the outside last season. Head coach Steve Kerr says Draymond’s shot is looking better while playing for Team USA this summer. (CBS Sports)
If Golden State hangs on to the No. 7 pick, could they be a good match for a prospect from Duke? Fansided’s Charlie Cummings looks at how Jalen Johnson would fit with the Dubs.
Curry showcased why he’s still one of the best players in the NBA when he won the scoring title last season. NBC Bay Area’s Kendra Andrews recaps where oddsmakers have Curry in the MVP race for the 2021-22 campaign.
Leave a Reply