The Golden State Warriors need to trade for an expiring contract

It’d be hard to pull off, but the Golden State Warriors, if they wish to retain Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant, need to trade for an expiring contract.

In doing so, the Golden State Warriors would have to trade away Andre Iguodala, who is owed $17.2 million next season. That eight-figure total is the most of any non-All Star on the Dubs loaded roster.

While Iguodala has been imperative to success in the Bay over the last few seasons, this season has been different. He’s been far from the player the Dubs have been used to, posting his worst professional numbers since his rookie season.

He hasn’t been as impactful as Iguodala normally is. Most of that may be attributed to him being injury prone. At the same time, Iggy is in his 15th season in the NBA which certainly has an impact on his body and ability to contribute.

Either way, the Dubs must do what is right for them. Trading Iguodala for an expiring contract, most likely attaching a pick to any deal, is the play if the Dubs want any chance at keeping the Big 4 together.

There aren’t too many expiring contracts available that would bring a significant contributor to the Warriors. Just over a quarter of the way into the season, the trade market isn’t quite clear.

Trevor Ariza, who was an ideal expiring contract to acquire, was dealt from Phoenix to Washington in a chaotic deal that was canceled at first. Ariza signed a one-year, $15 million contract this past offseason.

Taj Gibson and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are two other expiring contracts that could bring a fair, balanced trade to the other team while allowing Golden State to gain a much-needed asset. Gibson would bring a skilled big off the bench while Pope would add second unit shooting and defense.

Iman Shumpert, who has been playing very well for Sacramento this season, is another player that could be traded for. All three options would allow the Dubs to trade away a multi-year eight-figure contract and trade for an expiring eight-figure contract.

This is something the Golden State Warriors need to eye moving forward.