Why the Warriors are West favorites: They have coveted assets
The Warriors missed the playoffs two straight seasons.
Couple that with a pick they acquired in a trade with Minnesota, and Golden State has been able to accrue a plethora of young players. Jonathan Kuminga, James Wiseman, Moses Moody, and Jordan Poole are the names that immediately come to mind.
Poole has that superstar upside and has already partially put it on display, leading the Warriors’ offense almost single-handedly the last few weeks of the season. He’s increased his scoring by about 60% each of his three seasons.
Wiseman and Moody leave some to be desired, but the athleticism and basketball IQ that Kuminga had last season makes him among the more coveted players in the league.
Considering the Nets could almost get all four and then an Andrew Wiggins-type player as well to make the salary cap work, it could be their best offer. Then again, that is only if the Warriors are willing to part ways with the many young players.
Teams like Phoenix and Dallas don’t have the same caliber of young players as Golden State.