The NBA offseason is right around the corner and one team that is likely looking to make some upgrades to their roster in the Golden State Warriors.
Golden State was able to turn their season around after adding Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline to pair alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green as the Warriors became a title contender with him on their roster.
Unfortunately for the Warriors, their championship hopes came to a halt in the second round as they fell in five games to the Minnesota Timberwolves after Curry suffered an injury in Game 1 that sidelined him for the remainder of the series.
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry and forward Draymond Green
Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry and forward Draymond Green
© Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
Now the Warriors enter a crucial offseason as they try to build around their aging core and compete for a championship next season.
Of course, the main area of weakness for Golden State is the center position as they have lacked a true starting center over the past couple of season, instead using Green to fill the void.
That could change this summer, though, especially if they are able to pull off a trade with the Boston Celtics like a recent mock trade from Bleacher Report suggested.
In the trade, the Warriors would receive Kristaps Porzingis from the Celtics in exchange for Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, Trayce Jackson-Davis and Gui Santos.
It has been reported that Boston could look to cut some salary in the offseason and Porzingis has found himself in trade rumors but for the Celtics to agree to this offer, the Warriors may have to offer more, including possibly Jonathan Kuminga in a sign-and-trade.
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8).
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8).
© Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Either way, Porzingis would fill a major void in the Warriors’ starting lineup as he would give them a great rim protector and would also help them space the floor next to Curry, allowing Butler and Green to work inside.
While this would be a great trade for Golden State, they may not want to take a risk on adding Porzingis due to his injury history and instead target a different center to address their main area of need.