Golden State Warriors: 5 Trade targets more realistic than Ben Simmons

Golden State Warriors would love Jusuf Nurkic

When, if ever, will the Portland Trail Blazers shake things up in a significant way? Though some are hoping to see Damian Lillard be traded — what if the Golden State Warriors targeted Jusuf Nurkic instead.

The recipe for success with an undersized backcourt seems to rely on surrounding them with as much wing talent as possible. We could make things interesting and swap Andrew Wiggins for a package of Nurkic and potentially Norman Powell (or someone else) in order to satisfy the Blazers with a 3-and-D wing. But, a smaller, more realistic deal could also be on the table.

Trading Nurkic could be the first step towards shaking it up for Portland. Flipping their big man on an expiring deal for Kevon Looney, Otto Porter, Nemanja Bjelica and picks can help move the Blazers in a different direction.

In return, the Warriors get a consistent double-double machine who can score in the paint, rebound the ball and create plays for others at an above-average rate. Nurkic also shot 40 percent from the 3-point line on a very low volume last season.

A small, yet notable trade like this is one the Warriors should be looking to complete. Not a blockbuster one for the likes of Ben Simmons. By trading their lesser assets for a more solidified center to serve as a backup for James Wiseman, the Dubs push themselves higher into the Western Conference standings.