Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, Golden State Warriors
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Recent reporting from within the Golden State Warriors locker room points to the issues stemming from comments made by Brandin Podziemski on Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler's thoughts on Jonathan Kuminga, and Draymond Green's response to it all.
The Golden State Warriors must find a way to rebound and salvage their season after the heartbreaking news of losing Jimmy Butler to an ACL tear. Butler is not expected to return until some point next season to complicate Golden State’s chances of success this season. Stephen Curry is having another All-NBA season to warrant the team making moves to improve their playoff odds.
Brett Siegel of Clutch Points revealed that league personnel view a familiar face as one of the Warriors’ best realistic trade options:
“Other than Trey Murphy, league personnel are linking wings and forwards like Andrew Wiggins and DeMar DeRozan to the Warriors. This is the area in which the Warriors are said to be evaluating the trade market, as the possibility of adding a notable frontcourt talent isn’t viewed as a priority over addressing the forward positions.”
Three names were actually listed with both Trey Murphy and DeMar DeRozan being involved in trade rumors for months now. However, Andrew Wiggins is the big news here as a potential trade target currently on the Miami Heat. Golden State had Wiggins playing a huge role in the 2022 NBA Championship win to make fans excited about a potential return.
Warriors Trade Package For Andrew Wiggins
No trade packages have been reported yet for Golden State in a “what if” scenario of bringing Wiggins back. However, it becomes clear which names are realistic when looking over the Warriors roster and seeing the contracts that match with Wiggins or other stars making similar money.
Jonathan Kuminga remains the most important asset since he makes almost as much money as Wiggins. Golden State has tried to shop Kuminga, but Miami would have to either believe in him moving forward as part of the future or move him in a three-team deal to one of the franchises reportedly more interested in him.
Role players like Buddy Hield and De’Anthony Melton would have to be included to make the money match. Miami might also have to throw in another smaller contract, but the draft compensation is most important. The Warriors would have to throw in a draft pick to get Wiggins or any good players given the lackluster assets they can offer.
Warriors Still Want Murphy And DeRozan
DeRozan and Murphy are other wing players mentioned, but the story remains the same. All the trade targets will require the opposing teams desiring Kuminga, role players, and the potential of a valued future draft pick.
Many believe DeRozan is the most likely option due to the Sacramento Kings showing interest in Kuminga. Sacramento was the most interested team last offseason and have been rumored to desire adding Kuminga at the trade deadline. Golden State could get a multi-time All-Star to boost their offense.
Murphy is a tougher name to acquire from the New Orleans Pelicans since that team is all over the place. Despite losing badly this season, New Orleans hopes to improve and would want talent back. Kuminga as the top name from Golden State likely isn’t going to tempt the Pelicans into trading their young wing player.