Golden State Warriors: Pros/Cons of selling the young core

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - JANUARY 11: James Wiseman #33 of the Golden State Warriors reacts before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on January 11, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - JANUARY 11: James Wiseman #33 of the Golden State Warriors reacts before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on January 11, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /
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Golden State Warriors Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Golden State Warriors Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

It is a looming question that will continue to dangle over the Golden State Warriors as they approach the 2022 NBA trade deadline. To trade or not to trade?

There is no shortage of rumors that have swirled around the team in recent years. Some turned out to be true, like the decision to flip D’Angelo Russell for Andrew Wiggins and a first round pick. While others, many, many others, proved to be just rumors.

Nevertheless, it is that time of the year again where trade proposals are running rampant. Rather than detailing each hypothetical — I thought it would be good to actually weigh the options.

The Golden State Warriors should be looking at the potential costs and benefits of trading any member of their young core.

The Warriors are unlikely to make any seismic moves in February. If anyone is traded, it will be a fringe member of the young core who has yet to find a role with the team. This leaves two questions and two potential paths for the Dubs.

  1. Are you comfortable reducing the chances of winning a championship with the current big three in favor of developing the young core for the future?
  2. Would you rather sacrifice potential building blocks — without giving up the most promising prospects — in order to maximize your likelihood of winning another ring?

Today, we break down the costs and benefits of both options.