It’s understandable why the Golden State Warriors would be laser-focused on ensuring Giannis Antetokounmpo becomes a Warrior before the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
However, the franchise should have a backup plan in their back pocket in case the Milwaukee Bucks star remains with the Milwaukee or is traded to a franchise other than Golden State.
In a blockbuster trade idea proposed by Sports Illustrated’s Joey Akeley, the Warriors would acquire a 29-year-old two-time blocks leader in a deal featuring Jonathan Kuminga.
“The Warriors would love to get a wing upgrade, but if all decent options are too pricy, they could settle for a center improvement,” Akeley wrote Friday.
"(Myles) Turner is averaging just 13.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, but for the 10th consecutive season, his team's defense is better with him on the court than off, per Cleaning the Glass.”
“That's because Turner is a caliber of rim protector the Warriors haven't had since the 2015-16 season with Andrew Bogut. Turner isn't blocking as many shots as he was in his prime (averaging 1.7 this season), but the 6'11" 29-year-old still strikes fear into opposing drivers.”
Akeley’s full trade concept would send Kuminga, Quinten Post, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and a top-20-protected 2032 first-round pick to the Bucks for Turner.
Stephen Curry hasn’t had the luxury of playing with a dynamic stretch five like Turner. While playing solid pick-and-roll will always have its benefits, it's especially helpful when a point guard can find his frontcourt teammate in pick-and-pop situations, especially if the team is three-point-heavy.
Curry and Turner could thrive in that action in the Bay, giving the Warriors’ offense another long-range shooting threat with a notable track record.
Turner is also a high-level rim protector who would undoubtedly be among the best shot-blocking big men the Warriors have had in recent history.
Simply put, the Texas product would be a solid addition to the Dubs if the organization’s pursuit of Antetokounmpo ends poorly.
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