Golden State Warriors not likely to use trade exception, need unique opportunity

For the Golden State Warriors to use their $17.2 million Andre Iguodala trade exception, there would need to be a unique and favorable opportunity arise.

This offseason, the Golden State Warriors are clearly not looking to exhaust all their options to improve their current roster. The team seems to be preparing to use their 2020 first-round pick. Other assets they have are the mid-level exception and trade exception.

The latter was created when Iguodala was dealt to Memphis. However, according to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, the Warriors need a must-do option in order for them to consider using the exception.

Given the dip in revenue and Covid-19 absolutely crushing the expected revenue from tickets for the foreseeable future and previous season, holding off on using eight figures for a player the team doesn’t necessarily need to compete seems smart.

While Joe Lacob and the ownership group having always done what it takes to compete, they will compete even without a Kelly Oubre Jr.-like player. As long as you have a five-time All-Star and two-time MVP, you’ll be competitive.

It’s also noteworthy to say that, if the Warriors were to trade for a player like Oubre, the assets it would cost outside of just the expense it would have on Lacob’s group should deter the Warriors from making the deal.

It feels more and more like Golden State will use their 2020 pick, keep their 2021 pick acquired from Minnesota, and prepare to bring in the future of the franchise as all of the original Big 3 are now in their 30s.

If the Warriors had a trade offer lined up for the No. 2 overall pick, it would likely have been made by now. It doesn’t seem like they want to trade the pick, giving hope they’ll find pieces to usher in the next generation of Warriors’ legends.

With or without the use of the $17.2 million trade exception, Golden State should almost quadruple their mere 15 wins from the 2019-2020 season.