Golden State Warriors: Drawing up two realistic trades for Trevor Ariza

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 28: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors talks to Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets after Game Seven of the Western Conference Finals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 28, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 28: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors talks to Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets after Game Seven of the Western Conference Finals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 28, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
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(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Hypothetical No. 1

In this deal, Iggy is traded to Phoenix for Ariza and a first-round pick.

There isn’t much to this deal, but it should be more than most other teams are going to offer for Ariza. After all, if he isn’t traded, it’s like the former Rockets forward would just be bought out anyway.

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The 15-year veteran isn’t shooting well, and he certainly not in prime anymore. His shooting woes could be due to difficult shots and not being a shot creator, both things he wouldn’t have to worry about in Golden State.

The first-round pick being dealt likely wouldn’t be a high pick either. The Warriors have picked in the bottom-five of the first round for quite some time, and the 2019 NBA Draft would be no different. That said, why keep it when they’ll likely see the player walk after his rookie contract anyway.

As for Iggy, while he’s proven to be a vital contributor over the last few seasons, with the addition of Cousins, it doesn’t seem like his role will be the same, especially in the postseason. Why hang onto him and his lucrative contract then?

This is a win-win, right?