Warriors: Making the case for, and against, trading Nemanja Bjelica

Warriors: Making the case for trading Nemanja Bjelica

The Golden State Warriors, when at full strength, will have little need for Nemanja Bjelica.

He could play a vital role until the team returns James Wiseman as Kevon Looney is their only current big man. However, at 6-foot-10, Bjelica doesn’t offer too much rim protection as he’s not overly athletic.

What he doesn’t have in athleticism he does make up for in IQ. He’s also a bigger presence in the paint than Otto Porter Jr. Nonetheless, the Warriors have often went with Porter Jr. and Andre Iguodala at the four.

Bjelica was initially signed because of his multi-purpose ability. He can rebound at a good rate and can also shoot from deep, which is why Bjelica may find himself a potential suitor on the trade market.

He can give a contending team a great burst energy off the bench. So far this season, Bjelica has been solid, averaging 6.4 points per game and shooting 34% from deep. A team like Philadelphia might find the added shooting useful.

If the Warriors are going to prefer Iguodala, Looney, Green, Porter Jr. and Wiseman, it doesn’t make much sense not to get a future second-round pick for Bjelica.