Golden State Warriors: 10 league-altering trades for Draymond Green
Green to Orlando
The second of ten potential transactions is not one many would even consider. In this scenario, the Magic, a fringe playoff contender in the East, deal for Green.
Given how well Nikola Vucevic, the Maric’s center who is currently on an expiring has been playing, Orlando may not be better following this deal. However, what it does do for the Magic is set them up for the future.
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Like previously mentioned, Vucevic is on an expiring contract and will be requesting potentially a max salary, one Orlando might not want to pay. For Golden State, they’d free up the cap by snagging Vucevic and Ross, eventually watching them leave in the offseason.
Would it make Golden State a better team this year though? That’s hard to say given their current roster compilation. Ross and Vucevic, given they come off the bench, would give Golden State one of the league’s best second units, an area they’ve struggled to succeed in.
Averaging a career-high 20.2 points per game, Vucevic has been on another level this season. He’s even improved his three-point shooting which, next to DeMarcus Cousins, could create a dominant frontcourt.
The Warriors also receive a pick which could potentially be a lottery selection in the 2020 NBA Draft. Eventually, Orlando needs to find and retain talent. With Vucevic not likely to re-sign they might as well target a star that they’ll have a renewed chance to win over in the long term.