Golden State Warriors likely to think small at trade deadline
By Tony Pesta
The NBA trade deadline is four days away and barring a miracle, the Golden State Warriors are likely looking to keep things at a smaller scale.
Yes, the days of potentially swinging big for another star are behind us. This hybrid team of current stars, quality vets and promising prospects have combined to create a squad that is not only capable of winning a title this year — but one that could compete for years to come.
Because of this, there is little chance the Warriors make a push for a blockbuster trade. Though, they might tinker ever so gently with this roster at the deadline if it means bolstering their frontcourt.
The Golden State Warriors might not make any moves this February but if they do, it will be a small-scale move to upgrade their frontcourt.
According to Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckely, the Dubs are in the market for a low-level big man who can fill in for James Wiseman if his knee recovery does not go as planned.
Wiseman has been nursing a meniscus injury and recently participated in his first team practice since last season.
Considering Wiseman is only entering his second season with the bare-minimum experience, it could be worthwhile looking for a suitable center to pad the Warriors’ depth a little.
"“Finding a functional 7-footer would have them better prepared physically to handle the likes of Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid and any other towering centers who might stand between them and a title.”Bleacher Report"
The path to a championship is going to go through one of the elite bigs who clutter the Western Conference. With Rudy Gobert, Deandre Ayton and Anthony Davis making the competition even tougher, the Warriors will need somebody if Wiseman isn’t quite ready.
Who can they target? It would have to be someone on a cheap contract. Perhaps Bruno Fernando (BOS), Mason Plumlee (CHO), Gorgui Dieng (ATL), Nerlens Noel (NYK) or Cody Zeller (POR) could emerge as targets.
Either way, it is clear the Dubs will keep their scope small this season in order to focus on the big picture. Do not expect a major move to happen for Golden State.