The Golden State Warriors would benefit from a trade deadline deal involving sharpshooter Joe Harris of the Brooklyn Nets.
First off, this is by no means a Golden State Warriors trade rumor. In fact, I think it’s important to state that it’s more likely the Warriors wait for the buyout market to heat up and make a deal for Vince Carter than pull the trigger on any type of deal at the Feb. 8 trade deadline.
While it’s true the Dubs have been previously linked to center Kyle O’Quinn of the New York Knicks, the fact of matter is Golden State is in no hurry to add another big man; rather, the Warriors are in desperate need of another shooter off the bench to help bolster their second unit scoring.
Sifting through the list of potential trade deadline candidates, Joe Harris of the Brooklyn Nets definitely appears to be worth a look.
This idea is inspired by Dan Favale of Bleacher Report, who included Harris among his list of “dark-horse targets for the NBA’s biggest buyers.” Harris, an Early Bird candidate, has played just well enough to price himself out of Brooklyn, and the Warriors are in the right position to take advantage.
Related Story: Pros/Cons of a potential Kyle O'Quinn trade
Wait, who’s Joe Harris again?
The 6-foot-6, University of Virginia is primarily known for his shooting ability. Drafted 33rd overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers back during the 2014 NBA Draft, the 26-year-old sharpshooter holds career averages of 6.9 points on 44.5 percent shooting from the field and 39.2 percent shooting from behind the arc.
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This season with Brooklyn, he’s averaging a career-high 10.4 points on 48.1 percent from the field, 41.0 percent from long range and 78.7 percent from the free throw line. In addition, he’s averaging career-bests in rebounds (3.0) and assists (1.4).
Harris has also been working diligently at improving on the other end of the floor. As Favale puts it: Harris may not be a “solo stopper,” but he does “no noticeable harm to team schemes.” In other words — he’s not a lockdown defender, but he’s not a defensive liability.
And apparently, Harris has become much more of a versatile scorer, improving his ability to put the ball on the floor and take it to the rack. The evidence of his steady improvement could eventually factor into whether the Warriors desire an inexpensive shooter to keep long term.
Making $1.5 million this season, Harris is in the final year of his contract, which works out perfectly for the Warriors. He’s a low-risk, high-reward possibility that would immediately address a need and could possibly fit in quite well.
The Warriors would only need to give up someone like JaVale McGee or Kevon Looney, as well as a draft pick.
Next: Warriors could potentially try to sign Vince Carter
Keep in mind that the Warriors could also just find a team to take McGee in exchange for a future second rounder, freeing up a full-time spot for Quinn Cook.