The Golden State Warriors, as the February trade deadline begins to approach, should be looking at collecting draft capital as their main objective.
There’s no denying that the Golden State Warriors season has been a struggle. They’ve won just six games in their first 30. Currently 6-24, the Warriors have the worst record in the NBA, and it’s injuries they can thank for that.
Coach Steve Kerr and staff have done what they can with the pieces in their repertoire.
However, Glenn Robinson III and Alec Burks just aren’t going to be able to beat any other team in the Western Conference. They’ve even struggled against the bulk of teams in the East, allowing New York to beat them at home.
With the playoffs out of reach and the combination of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson returning fully healthy next season, the Warriors have a few options at the trade deadline knowing what the future holds.
They can retain their players in the last year of their contract, look to deal them to enhance their roster next year, or look to gain draft capital. Those players, specifically, are Burks and Robinson with Willie Cauley-Stein and D’Angelo Russell also likely to gain some trade talk.
If the Warriors are going to trade any of those four high-impact players, it should be for draft capital.
It’s mainly because of what they’ve witnessed this season. While a trusted veteran would be a nice addition for next year, a player like Eric Paschall could be waiting in the second-round again in the draft.
The Warriors will return to being among the best teams in the NBA next season, and it’d be ideal for them to round out their roster with low-value contracts. Second-round picks and late first-round picks will give them the contracts they’ll need to have if they opt to retain Russell as well.
The future is in good hands with Russell and Paschall to go along with the first-round pick that Golden State will sign. However, the more young talent to develop the better the chance of striking gold like they did with Paschall.
That said, when looking to deal Burks, Robinson or really any asset, bringing back draft capital should be of utmost importance.