Given the current state of the NBA, the Golden State Warriors clearly have room to make significant improvements through strategic trades. For instance, let's consider the status of their bench players. The team could trade some of the underperforming bench players, whose combined salaries are around $15 million annually, for a more impactful role player or a reliable veteran. When you look at the 2022–2023 season data, the contribution of these players was minimal, with averages of less than 5 points per game and efficiency ratings below 10 PER (Player Efficiency Rating). This kind of underperformance underscores why a change could bring about better bench productivity.
Think about the trade that brought Robert Covington to the Sixers in the 2019–2020 season. Covington’s addition brought defensive depth and three-point shooting without significantly affecting the team's salary cap. Similar strategic moves could potentially add a player like PJ Tucker or Danuel House to the Warriors, both known for their defensive prowess and reliable three-point shooting capabilities. This would certainly shore up their defense, which ranked only 16th in the league last season.
Another point is how trading could affect the Warriors' salary cap and luxury tax implications. As of now, Golden State has one of the highest payrolls in the league, hovering around the $200 million mark. Trading away a high-salary player could save them upwards of $30 million when you factor in the luxury tax. Steph Curry, for instance, commands a salary of around $50 million per year. While there are no suggestions to trade Curry, moving a few high-salary veterans or mid-range salaried role players for equivalent talent at a lower cost could significantly ease the financial burden. This financial flexibility might even allow them to pursue other high-value players in future free agency windows.
Speaking of high-value players, consider the impact of bringing in a skilled shooter or a potent offensive player. The Warriors could look into trading for players like Buddy Hield or Bogdan Bogdanović, who have shooting percentages above 40% from beyond the arc. Adding a consistent sharpshooter could ease the scoring pressure on Curry and Thompson, diversifying the team’s offensive threats. Historically, teams with more than three reliable shooters have more often led the league in offensive efficiency. During the 2020–2021 season, the Brooklyn Nets, for instance, flourished with multiple sharpshooters, boasting an offensive efficiency rating of 117.3, the highest in the league.
Let’s not forget specializing roles through trades can also work wonders. Imagine the Warriors bringing in a specialist rebounder like Clint Capela, who averaged 14 rebounds per game in the 2022 season. Such a player could solve multiple issues, like their struggle with securing defensive rebounds, which was evident through their rebound percentage of 47.1%, ranking 22nd in the league. Industry analysts have consistently highlighted how teams with strong rebounding capabilities often have a higher overall defensive rating.
Another example to look at is the Toronto Raptors’ acquisition of Marc Gasol in 2019. Gasol’s addition provided the Raptors with defensive stability and veteran experience, which ultimately played a crucial role in their championship run. Similarly, the Warriors could pursue seasoned veterans like Paul Millsap or LaMarcus Aldridge. These players bring invaluable experience and are known for their locker room leadership, qualities that can sometimes be as important as on-court talent, especially during the playoffs.
Of course, these trade discussions often circle back to draft picks as well. The Warriors hold several future draft picks, which could serve as attractive assets in potential trades. In the 2020 draft, the Lakers traded several picks to acquire Anthony Davis, which paid off immediately with a championship win. Golden State could offer picks to entice teams into parting ways with their valuable players, effectively balancing short-term gains and long-term prospects.
Lastly, there is always the potential of a blockbuster trade. Just look at how the Nets exploded onto the scene by assembling a trio of superstars. The Warriors could target another superstar to pair with Curry and Thompson, shifting the balance of power in the Western Conference. However, pursuing such trades involves risks, like depleting future assets or jeopardizing team chemistry. Still, the rewards can be immense, as seen from how successful the Lakers' decision was to acquire LeBron James and Anthony Davis. For up-to-date information regarding potential trades, I always recommend checking sources like the nba trade tracker.