Out of all the teams that made the playoffs in the Western Conference last season, the Golden State Warriors are the only one without an addition this offseason. The only two transactions they have made is extending a qualifying offer to Jonathan Kuminga and receiving two late second-round picks in the Kevin Durant trade. Most of the quality free agents have already signed with other teams. But who are some trade options and free agents that can save the Warriors’ offseason?
Five Players That Can Save the Warriors’ Offseason
GSW can look at last season following the Jimmy Butler trade and say they had one of the best records in the league after it. But on the flip side, that was still not enough to get past the second round of the playoffs. With Steph Curry nursing postseason injuries, they were no match for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Before the offseason began, a lot of people around the league expected the Warriors to be one of the more active teams. They have two more years of Curry, Draymond Green, and Butler. That is their Last Dance.
Yet, two weeks in, and the Warriors have yet to make significant moves. With most of the players gone, we take a look at some possible trade options and free agents that can make the Warriors a contender again. Besides these names, they might get some lower quality rotational players. But they need to make a move in order to compete.
Lauri Markkanen
Until the Jazz come out and say they are not trading Lauri Markkanen, or he ends up on another team, the Warriors will be a contender for his services. While his stats might be down the last two seasons, Lauri needs a good passer to shine. He hasn’t had one in Utah. Markkanen is not a self-creator, but still a good scorer.
We’ve seen how the Warriors can utilize shooting and scoring big men. Last season, their rookie Quinten Post showed great potential as a stretch big after he got some playing time. The challenge is, the Jazz probably would not like to get Kuminga, and the only viable way for the Warriors to get a star via trade is if they send Jonathan the other way. Will they up their offer of draft picks to get Lauri? He is definitely a player who can move the needle.
Nic Claxton
The reality is that the Warriors do not play their centers a lot of minutes. Still, after losing Kevon Looney in free agency, they need someone who can play 15 to 20 minutes. Nic Claxton is a starting-quality center in the league and one that can improve a team’s chances to compete. While he doesn’t shoot threes, Claxton is a threat around the basket. And he is dependable, having played 70+ games the last three seasons.
The problem for the Warriors might be his contract. He has three years left on his deal, one more than their probable two-year window.
De’Anthony Melton
Some GSW fans love De’Anthony Melton, others believe the team should stay away from him. For someone who has played only six games in a Warriors uniform, it is hard to see him as the “savior.” Yet, at the same time, he might be exactly what they need. If they can get the free agent guard on a veteran’s minimum or something similar, it is worth taking a chance.
Melton has been hobbled with injuries the past two seasons. Two years ago, he played in only 38 games. Last season, he tore his ACL six games into the season. Before the injury, he showed how his playmaking, defense, ball-handling, and shooting skills fit into the Warriors’ system.
Walker Kessler
Walker Kessler has seen his name in trade rumors for more than a year. He is a bit challenging to gauge. On one hand, Kessler is a great defensive center who is only 23 years old. On the other hand, he will be up for an extension, and the Jazz do not look like they are willing to pay him $25+ million. At the same time, they have a high asking price for their center.
The good news for the Warriors is that they can easily match the salary. The problem is giving away probably two first-round picks and depleting their future for a non-scoring threat.
LeBron James
If we talk about best trade options for the Warriors, one name will always be on the list. There have been ramblings in the past several days that LeBron James might not be happy with the direction that the Los Angeles Lakers are taking. Pairing him with Steph Curry would be a dream scenario for both of them and fans around the league. This move will likely require the Warriors to send Butler the other way for salary purposes. But, James is still a better player and a superstar despite his age. He might be able to get a bit more out of Kuminga as well. It might be an elusive dream for Warriors fans, but nothing is certain.
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