There won’t be many NBA teams that are buyers around the 2021 NBA Trade Deadline. At least from an outsider’s perspective, it doesn’t make sense that too many teams make big-time moves; the Warriors included.
However, many teams could make a move that will enhance their chances in the playoffs. The Trail Blazers, Mavericks, Sixers, and other teams have holes that they could fill prior to the deadline, and the Warriors also have clear issues with their current roster.
Frontcourt depth may be what Golden State most-desperately needs to add.
When it comes to potentially making a blockbuster move, the Golden State Warriors have the trump card, but it feels unlikely they use it.
One general manager went as far as noting that Golden State could be a team to keep an eye on, according to Tom Haberstroh. At the same time, the Warriors could be seen as a team willing to wait and build the future of their franchise.
That said, the trump card is the Minnesota top-three protected 2021 first-round pick. With the Timberwolves coming into the season with the No. 1 draft pick, Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell, there was hope this roster could make some noise in the Western Conference.
That was not the case as the Wolves are entering the All-Star break with just seven wins, the least in the NBA. Both Towns and Russell have missed chunks of the season. That pick is going to have value, but that doesn’t mean Golden State will use it to bring in a high-profile player.
The players thought to be on the market are All-Star Bradley Beal, Victor Oladipo, and maybe a player like Buddy Hield. That pick, with the draft class that is slated to be available in 2021, is too valuable.
While it’s certainly a possibility that they throw it around in discussions, general manager Bob Myers didn’t seem like he was willing to pull the plug on the future for immediate success, especially considering the teams like Brooklyn and Los Angles that are already title favorites.
There’s no denying that this team was willing to spend to capitalize on a prime Stephen Curry year. Curry is playing at an MVP level, and he should get the support from the front office that allows him to thrive. The team brought in Kelly Oubre Jr. and James Wiseman this offseason.
Curry clearly will need more, but with Klay Thompson coming back next season and the Wolves pick having such value, it seems more than likely the Warriors stay put with just weeks prior to the deadline.