Golden State Warriors made grave mistake declining this trade

At this point, we already know the Golden State Warriors didn’t receive an offer for Kelly Oubre Jr. that piqued their interest. But, it’s mind-boggling they chose to decline this reported deal involving Spencer Dinwiddie.

According to a report, the Golden State Warriors declined an offer from Brooklyn to swap Kelly Oubre Jr. for Spencer Dinwiddie.

Marc Stein of the New York Times spoke on the Brooklyn Nets’ desire to trade Dinwiddie at the deadline. Of the failed deals, Stein mentioned a swap in which the Nets were ready to flip Dinwiddie for Oubre – but the Warriors declined in hopes of still reaching the playoffs this season (Dinwiddie is injured for the remainder of the year).

Stein went on the explain that the Warriors received many offers for Oubre but were not interested in losing him for someone that wouldn’t help them in the short term. This is the most puzzling piece of information we have heard.

The Warriors have relatively nothing to gain from reaching the playoffs this year. The value of a first round exit is minuscule compared to the benefit of having multiple lottery picks. This is a tough decision to justify if it’s the real reason Golden State chose to decline the trade.

However, viewing this in a more positive light, this decision could mean something else. Hopefully, this indicates the Dubs are confident in their ability to resign Oubre at the end of the season. Why else wouldn’t they jump on a deal to swap him for a player of roughly the same caliber?

Oubre has been a strong two-way presence for the Warriors this season. His semi-consistent shooting and omnipresent perimeter defense is a major reason they are in the playoff picture in spite of so many injuries.

Even so, this is still a confusing decision. Dinwiddie is a better-fit long-term for the Warriors. Once Klay Thompson returns, the Warriors’ need for a 3-and-D presence will diminish as Thompson (mostly) replaces everything Oubre has to offer. Meanwhile, their need for a second ball-handler would remain. Dinwiddie appears to be better suited to lead the bench.

This is a core reason as to why trading for Dinwiddie would have been a bright idea. He’s a high-quality playmaker and shot creator who has shown he can thrive as a sixth man. Dinwiddie holds more value than Oubre in terms of piloting the second unit and filling a gap in the Dubs’ rotation.

Nonetheless, this all comes down to what Oubre does in the offseason. If he stays in Golden State, this is a decision the Warriors can live with. They still have the opportunity to complete their roster with a few signings. But, if Oubre leaves the Dubs high-and-dry, the front office will be kicking themselves for thinking with such a short-sighted mentality and passing on the opportunity to acquire Dinwiddie.