8 low-cost, high-impact offseason trade targets for Golden State Warriors

8 low-cost, high-impact offseason trade targets for the Golden State Warriors

DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 18: Rudy Gay #22 of the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Center on November 18, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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James Johnson

Another player that’s not often talked about is forward James Johnson. Johnson would be a terrific addition to the team’s small-ball lineup. He has a similar style to Rudy Gay but is younger (33) and a much better defender.

Johnson was traded midway through to the season to the Timberwolves, a deal in which the Heat returned Jae Crowder and Andre Iguodala among many other moving pieces.

For Golden State, Johnson would give them similar production to Iguodala from a year ago. He’d come in and add some three-point shooting but primarily be useful as another elite on-ball defender.

Before being traded, Johnson averaged 8.4 points per game in 19.3 minutes. Per 36 minutes, he’s notched double figures in each of his 11 seasons in the NBA. Per 36 minutes, he’s also averaged over a steal in each season and oftentimes over two blocks as well.

Johnson has one more season on his contract valued at $16.0 million. For just a young player or multiple second-round picks, Johnson would be a solid addition and provide another key factor for the Warriors’ defense.

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