How far can coupling the Warriors two lottery picks move them up

The way the Golden State Warriors make a blockbuster trade is by coupling their two lottery picks. Following the NBA Draft Lottery, the team settled with the No. 7 and No. 14 overall picks in the coming draft.

There are several teams that may look to be active at the top of the draft order. Teams like Cleveland may look to trade out of their current spot if they can get two lottery picks to do so. That move would also mean they do not love any prospect in their current position.

The Golden State Warriors are sitting in an interesting position with two lottery picks and a desire to contend. How far can those picks get them though?

With players like Jalen Green on the board, that could be unlikely. Nonetheless, it’s possible that Golden State jumps into the top five with their two picks combined. Then, the question that begs to be answered is what then.

Let’s assume the Warriors can trade No. 7 and No. 14 to acquired either No. 4 or No. 5. That would mean a trade with either the Toronto Raptors or Orlando Magic. The Cavs at No. 3 is relatively unlikely given the value. 4 or 5 makes at least some sense.

So they get that higher pick. Now, what can they couple the No. 4 pick with to get a superstar. The only answer that makes sense is former No. 2 overall pick James Wiseman. Jordan Poole doesn’t have much trade value and the Big 3 won’t be dealt.

The package is the No. 4 overall pick and James Wiseman or a player like Bradley Beal. While that seems impossible, if a similar player, Damian Lillard, forces his way out of Portland, could adding another superstar talent be worthwhile for the Warriors?

That won’t be enough for a star. Let’s be honest. The Blazers are going to need multiple high-value picks. They’re going to need high-level talent, more than just Wiseman and one valuable, top-five pick.

Myles Turner, who recently led the league in blocks, is a possibility. If for some reason the Warriors think Ben Simmons makes sense, that should also be around his valuation. The Warriors could also add a Zach LaVine or Marcus Smart-like player.

Those four make some sense, but the two assets combined is still not returning a player that could turn around a franchise.