Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski with forward Trayce Jackson-Davis
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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 30: Rookies Brandin Podziemski #2 and Trayce Jackson-Davis #32 of the Golden State Warriors react after teammate Stephen Curry #30 made a three-point shot against the Dallas Mavericks during fourth quarter at Chase Center on December 30, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
At 6-6 and 3-8, respectively, the Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks are both in need of a shake-up. Optimism between both franchises is rather low, although Dallas recently moved on from general manager Nico Harrison.
As a result, the Mavericks are expected to trade veteran talent and go all-in on Cooper Flagg. The Warriors, led by a star veteran trio, are still looking to capitalize on the end of Stephen Curry’s peak. Some of the youngsters in the Golden State are wearing out their welcome, and the Mavericks could offer veteran talent in exchange for promising rookies.
Since their rookie season in 2023-24, neither Brandin Podziemski nor Trayce Jackson-Davis has taken the leap expected of them. In an effort to go all-in, the Warriors could move on from one or both third-year players.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green drives against Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 15: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by Daniel Gafford #21 of the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at Chase Center on December 15, 2024 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors Urged to Make Trade
Between Al Horford’s age and injury history, as well as the desperate need for veteran talent, Daniel Gafford is a clear Warriors’ trade target.
Regardless of whether the Mavericks keep Anthony Davis or not, Gafford is expendable, and his pick-and-roll skillset would work wonders in Golden State.
“A healthy Gafford could certainly add a rebounding and rim-protecting presence that the Warriors still need at times, giving them an upgrade on what they thought Trayce Jackson-Davis might be for them by his third season,” wrote FanSided’s Peter O’Keefe on November 11th. “Any Golden State interest in Gafford will also be dependent on the form of Al Horford and Quinten Post, along with Jackson-Davis, who will still get an opportunity on nights when Horford is resting.”
A starting five of Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, Jonathan Kuminga, and Gafford would excel. Golden State would have to give up some key depth pieces, but their championship-caliber core would be cemented, and any inter-generational beef would be removed.
Mock Trade Lands Warriors Daniel Gafford
Podziemski’s status as a locker room favorite seems to be on the decline. Jackson-Davis, meanwhile, has been surpassed by other additions. In order to match Gafford’s salary, the Warriors would have to throw in a veteran of their own, but it’s certainly doable.
Full Mock Trade Details
Golden State Warriors receive: Daniel Gafford
Dallas Mavericks receive: Buddy Hield, Brandin Podziemski, Trayce Jackson-Davis
Jackson-Davis and Podziemski are not the long-term pieces Flagg needs, but they would bolster a fairly weak young core. The Mavericks still need a proven point guard, but once Kyrie Irving returns from injury, that problem will address itself.
Of course, Dallas could flip Irving or Davis for Ja Morant or Trae Young, if they felt so inclined, or hold out and draft Darryn Peterson if the lottery is friendly once again.
The Warriors have very real title hopes, but their record points to them being shorthanded. For the second season in a row, expect the Dubs to make a deadline deal.