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3 rival trades that could damage Golden State Warriors title hopes

By Nathan Beighle

Feb 4, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Caris LeVert (22) in the first half against the Chicago Bulls at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Caris LeVert (22) in the first half against the Chicago Bulls at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Impact trade for the Warriors: Jazz acquiring Nickiel Alexander-Walker

The Utah Jazz lost shooting guard Joe Ingles for the season. That was a blow to them, and with the ability to enhance their bench, they opted to do just that, bringing in Pelicans guard Nickiel Alexander-Walker.

Alexander-Walker hasn’t had a great season, but he has improved each of his three seasons in the league. Having taken NAW with their first-round pick in 2019, the Pelicans clearly didn’t view him as a cornerstone of their future.

But, off the Jazz bench, he may be the perfect fit. NAW is averaging 12.8 points per game, but to get consistent minutes, he’s going to have to improve upon his 37.5% shooting.

NAW averages 1.5 threes per game in his career, shooting 33% from deep. The Jazz will get him better looks, but it’ll be on the third-year guard to knock them down. He’ll likely be coming off the bench with fellow microwave guard Jordan Clarkson.

Utah will hope the two mesh, but I’m not as confident as they are. Nonetheless, with the Jazz a contending team in the West, the Warriors need to keep an eye on how they perform after bringing in NAW and sending out the injured Ingles.

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