So far this offseason, the Golden State Warriors have been one of the most talked-about teams in terms of a potential blockbuster trade. Even after the draft and free agency, the predictions have continued.
With Klay Thompson out until at least Christmas time, the Warriors’ need for another star to help both bridge the gap and improve the roster’s ceiling at full strength is still there. There are only a handful of possible candidates.
The Golden State Warriors are a hotbed for trades as they may need another star to truly capitalize on the remaining years of the Big 3.
Ben Simmons is by far the most mentioned star. The fact that he’s not communicating with the Sixers has most thinking that he’ll eventually be dealt, but there’s no denying that reaching their price would be tough for any other franchise.
Another option is Toronto Raptors’ 27-year-old power forward Pascal Siakam. Greg Swartz suggested a Siakam-to-the-Warriors trade in part of his five bold predictions for big-name targets.
“A package of Andrew Wiggins, Wiseman, Kuminga and Kevon Looney would make the money work, and the Warriors have wing depth behind Wiggins following the signings of Otto Porter Jr. and Andre Iguodala,” Swartz wrote.
There are endless combinations, and there’s no denying that this one seems difficult to comprehend. Four players, two of which are the Warriors’ only two centers, would create a gaping hole for the Dubs.
Trading Wiseman makes sense, but the combo of both Wiseman and Looney seems unlikely. The Raptors could make it work by adding in Chris Boucher, but then it may be tough to get the cap back to working.
As for Siakam, he missed the All-Star game this past season but averaged over 20 points per game for a second consecutive season. A capable defender and decent three-point threat, Siakam has everything to help take the Warriors to the next level.
Whether he’s worthy of a package with Wiggins, Kuminga and Wiseman is another story though. The Warriors have the leverage as the Raptors are clearly looking for a trade partner after drafting Scottie Barnes with the fourth overall pick.
Barnes and Siakam are similar positional players, both playing the four, so it’ll be interesting if they start the season both with Toronto. It wouldn’t be a shocking reality as the trade market seems to be drying up.
While Golden State does make sense, for that value, they should wait until Toronto’s hand is forced.