The NBA trade deadline is 3 p.m on Thursday, and the Golden State Warriors are in the same spot they were at the start of the trade season.
The Dubs have failed to complete a deal, and don’t appear particularly close to making a move of any kind. The franchise is reportedly still in the mix for Giannis Antetokounmpo despite not being the favorite to acquire the Milwaukee Bucks star forward. However, there’s no report indicating the Warriors are in the process of finalizing a deal for the ex-NBA Finals MVP.
In Blue Man Hoop’s Peter O’Keefe’s mind, the Warriors should consider turning their attention to a two-time NBA Finals MVP in a trade centered around Draymond Green.
“ESPN's Anthony Slater reported earlier on Tuesday that Golden State are involving veteran forward Draymond Green in trade conversations, but it remains to be seen whether that extends further than simply a deal that would bring back Antetokounmpo,” O’Keefe wrote Tuesday.
“If it did, perhaps the Warriors could construct a package around Green, Jonathan Kuminga, and another small salary in exchange for (Kawhi) Leonard.”
“There would likely have to be some draft capital involved as well, but clearly nowhere near the same level of risk associated with giving up all the future first-round picks for Antetokounmpo.”
Leonard is the type of superstar the Warriors would likely feel comfortable pivoting to if they realize that Antetokounmpo is out of their reach.
The seven-time All-Star continues to play to his strengths in the big leagues: frequently executing his patented one to two dribble pull-up jumper, getting downhill with forceful rip-throughs, and wreaking havoc on the defensive end with his awe-inspiring physical tools.
Leonard is averaging 27.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.1 steals with an improved Clippers squad, shooting 49.7% from the field and 39.1% from beyond the arc.
Antetokounmpo will continue to be the Warriors’ ideal superstar target. However, with Leonard possessing a phenomenal resume of his own and Draymond Green preparing to depart the Dubs, it’s safe to say O’Keefe’s trade idea isn’t too far-fetched.
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