Golden State Warriors: 5 players the Dubs should target prior to the trade deadline

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 12: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks reacts after the Nicks lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on December 12, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Nicks 113-106. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 12: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks reacts after the Nicks lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on December 12, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Nicks 113-106. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)

There are several reasons why the Golden State Warriors should make a trade.

Cap space, rim protection, bench production and more are at the forefront of the Golden State Warriors issues this season. Currently third in the West, the Warriors could use a new locker room presence prior to the February 7 trade deadline.

Overall, the Warriors are a top-four seed in the West, and they should continue to improve as the season wears on. However, they’re certainly not where they want or need to be right now. At the same time, not many teams are ready to go into full out tank mode, especially in the West.

The Western Conference is a tight race. The top 14 teams are separated by under ten games. The Warriors, currently sitting third, might be buyers, but there might not be many sellers. Where does that leave Golden State?

For starters, upon DeMarcus Cousins return, many of their problems might be figured out, but if they opt to engage in what should be a roaring trade market, they have plenty of suitors out East. Their need for cap space, bench production, and rim protection can all be erased later this month.

While solving all three is an unlikely task, the Dubs can tackle the two more important ones (cap space and bench production) with just one trade. That said, let’s get into a few trades that could be advantages for the Warriors.