The surge of trade rumors has eased as the coast clears for the remainder of the regular season and NBA Playoffs. Still, the Golden State Warriors understand that another tidal wave of trade proposals will emerge if they sink in the postseason.
Nothing can make a franchise change directions faster than a meltdown in the playoffs. For as talented as the Warriors are, they’ve shown enough warts throughout the season to be concerned about their chances at winning the title.
The Golden State Warriors are entering the postseason with high expectations. Could a collapse force their hand in trades this summer?
It feels like a foregone conclusion they’ll be one of the final four teams competing, at the very least. Anything less would be deemed an utter failure by most, assuming Golden State is healthy.
In the event the Warriors suffer a brutal second-round loss, or simply get thrashed in a conference or NBA Finals matchup, the temptation to make a change in the offseason could be irresistible.
Today, we look at the three players at risk of being included in trades this summer if the Warriors fall short of their championship aspirations.