If the Golden State Warriors truly want to reclaim their throne as NBA champions next season, they may need to make a league-altering trade.
The landscape of the NBA has changed. The Golden State Warriors no longer have the power to dominate opponents with overwhelming star-studded lineups. Instead, the road to another championship will be blocked by numerous contenders.
Assuming each team remains roughly the same with no injuries, the LA Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets will all be worthy foes for the Dubs next season. And this is only counting teams in the Western Conference.
In order to really put themselves over the top again, the Warriors will need to switch something up. They need to do something that will shake up the league and put the power back in their hands.
Golden State certainly has the assets to make a league-altering trade. A potential No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft plus an additional first round pick next season will make for easy trade bait. Meanwhile, skilled players such as Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins could be put on the chopping block as well.
By the offseason, teams will be looking to sell and recuperate. This means the Warriors will have an opportunity to reel in a new collection of players that can better fit the direction of the franchise for the next dynasty.
Trading Wiggins would be an easy decision if the Dubs can acquire a more experienced player in return. Wiggins has potential but has mostly underwhelmed throughout his young career and is a major x-factor that could backfire for the Warriors when it matters most.
As for Green, he will no longer be as valuable once his age catches up to him. As he approaches his 30s, some executives across the league think the Warriors should trade him while they still can.
All of these factors combine to give the Warriors more than enough reasons to at least tinker with the idea of making a blockbuster trade. Shaking things up may be the only way for the franchise to return to the top.