What Dubs need, and what can they do?
Feb. 8 is approaching, all attention on Warriors
Less than two weeks remain until the NBA's Feb. 8 trade deadline and the Warriors are under a spotlight.
The organization is at a crossroads, sitting at a disappointing 19-24 heading into Tuesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers while keeping alive hopes to contend for the playoffs this year and beyond.
Buried in the Western Conference and without an identity, the odds that Golden State can make a meaningful run are practically nonexistent and chances they'll even make the play-in are shaky.
Still, a move or two at the deadline can achieve a few goals in the short and long term of preserving this fading dynasty. Here's a breakdown of what players and assets the Warriors can trade and the kind of moves they could make. WHAT CAN THE WARRIORS DO? >> Logically, the Warriors may find it necessary to fix the discrepancy between a roughly $400 million roster with a sub-.500 record. General manager Mike Dunleavy and the front office can evaluate moves that help immediately or, perhaps, moves that clear a path to get under the restrictive second apron of the luxury tax and better position themselves to regroup in the offseason.
All Warriors players except Steph Curry are on the table for a potential move, according to previous reports. That certainly does not mean the Warriors are tearing the roster down, but indicates they're willing to part ways with most players — even two-thirds of their core trio — for the right deal.
Some are more movable than others. The Warriors traded Jordan Poole, signed to a four-year extension, for veteran Chris Paul and his contract that is slated for $30 million next season, but is not guaran
teed. A much more movable contract, as is Klay Thompson's five-year, $189.9 million contract that expires after this season.
Jonathan Kuminga looks to have made himself practically untouchable in trade talks as he has taken the Year 3 leap the organization hoped he would. He's evolving as a crafty and potent scorer next to Curry, averaging 25 points over his last six games.
And though he and Andrew Wiggins are finding their footing in minutes together with Draymond Green's return, Wiggins is on the block given his sub-par performance just as his four-year, $109 million contract kicks in. The Warriors need more production at that position — he's a minus-172 overall — and at that price.
The 21-year-old Moses Moody, injured but in and out of the rotation, could also draw interest from teams.
Additionally, the Warriors have unprotected first-round picks in 2027, 2028 and 2029 along with unprotected second-round picks in 2026, 2028 and 2029. The Warriors might want to hang onto those as they could coincide with the latter part of Curry's 30s; however, the picks are assets that can be used to swap for players that may maximize his extended prime.
WHAT DO THE WARRIORS NEED? >> The Warriors could use another shot creator and playmaker next to Curry, another point-of-attack defender to help shore up the Warriors' bottom five defense this year and could use another center with Kevon Looney playing himself into a smaller role this season.
The Warriors are also likely to stay clear of expensive, long-term contract obligations for fear of digging into the luxury tax second apron, which imposes restrictions from frozen picks to free agency and trade limitations.
The Atlanta Hawks are reportedly open to trading guard Dejounte Murray, who plays alongside superstar guard Trae Young. He profiles as a strong, long and athletic point-of-attack defender, ball handler and potential shot creator next to Curry. If the Hawks keep selling, could they package Murray with center Clint Capela, who is in the first of a two-year $45.9 million contract?
The Chicago Bulls are likely to blow their roster up, but have a ton of expensive contracts the Warriors might not see as a great fit. Zach LaVine is on the trade block, but is in the second year of a five-year, $215.1 million contract. Alex Caruso would fit the bill as a much-needed defender, but isn't a playmaker the Warriors need most.
Options appear limited and the Warriors are limited, too. But more rumors may swirl as the deadline gets closer.