Ahead of the 2020 NBA draft, the Golden State Warriors are assessing prospects around the clock ahead of going on the clock for the second overall pick, but may find their best options lies in trading down.
Although the Warriors have had extra time to scout and assess prospects due to the coronavirus pandemic, they might not have any interest in selecting at No. 2 and pay extra salary in doing so.
With the draft just over two weeks away and in a draft without a player with bonafide superstar potential, the Warriors might not be interested in paying a sizeable rookie deal as a luxury tax-paying team.
Bob Myers may find value in a potential trade with the New York Knicks. This hypothetical deal would see the Warriors receive this deal in exchange for the second overall pick.
Golden State receives: 8th overall pick, 2021 Dallas first-round pick, 2023 Dallas first-round pick, Mitchell Robinson, Kevin Knox
New York receives: 2nd overall pick
The Knicks have been linked with trading up for a number of months in order to find a future second star to pair alongside RJ Barrett. LaMelo Ball has been widely touted as the Knicks have been without a starting-caliber point guard for a number of years now.
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However, this potential deal would rest on the Timberwolves opting against taking Ball first overall, but should that happen the Warriors will be firmly placed to make a deal with the Knicks.
Although trading down to the eighth pick would likely rule the Warriors out of Anthony Edwards, Deni Avdija, Obi Toppin, and possibly Tyrese Halliburton, they would be able to potentially take a pro-ready prospect to fill a void on the wing.
Players like Saddiq Bey, Devin Vassell Aaron Nesmith, and Isaac Okoro stand to be available at No.8 and all of those players would be solid options to bolster the second unit.
Furthermore, in acquiring Robinson the Warriors would get a center with All-Star potential, and inserting Robinson into a lineup with three All-Stars and Andrew Wiggins would automatically give the Dubs the best starting unit in the NBA.
Although Knox hasn’t set the world alight in his short NBA career thus far, the Warriors organization has enjoyed success transforming players viewed as draft “busts” into serviceable players. Marquese Chriss was the most notable example of that last season.
The former Kentucky product could rebuild his value as a rotation player on a contending team rather than… well, the Knicks.
Perhaps most significantly in this deal is the draft assets the Warriors collect. Although those two first-rounders from Dallas will likely be at the backend of the first round in 2021 and possibly 2023 too they could prove useful when packaging picks together in a possible sign & trade for one Greek Freak.
Golden State would have three first-round picks in 2021 and those selections combined with the contract of Andrew Wiggins could form the centerpiece of any potential deal for Antetokoumpto.
Although any potential deal likely hinges on Minnesota opting against Ball, it is a deal that would suit the Warriors interests.