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3 Golden State Warriors mock trades at various price points ahead of the deadline

By Peter O'Keefe

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 10: O.G. Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors grabs a rebound in front of Mason Plumlee #24 of the Charlotte Hornets during the second half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on January 10, 2023 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 10: O.G. Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors grabs a rebound in front of Mason Plumlee #24 of the Charlotte Hornets during the second half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on January 10, 2023 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /
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With an underwhelming 27-26 record and their best player now out for multiple games, the Golden State Warriors face an urgent scenario to resurrect their championship-defending 2022-23 season.

We’re about 72 hours away from the NBA trade deadline, giving the Warriors their last possible opportunity of upgrading the current roster in a meaningful way. While they may look at the buyout market over the coming weeks, that avenue is unlikely to produce the kind of difference-making piece to what the franchise hopes is another sustained postseason run.

Although it may take a slight pivot away from their future plans, the Golden State Warriors have enough flexibility to bolster their championship hopes this season.

The biggest issue for Golden State is the contrast between both ends of the roster — no player makes between $10-25 million. It means it’s practically impossible for them to make a trade for any opposition player making above $18-20 million, unless they’re willing to include one of Draymond Green or Klay Thompson. Any fan hoping for a shock Kevin Durant trade will have to wait till the offseason when Jordan Poole’s new contract kicks in and Andrew Wiggins is eligible to be dealt.

Any Golden State Warriors-Kevin Durant reunion discussion will have to wait till the offseason. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Any Golden State Warriors-Kevin Durant reunion discussion will have to wait till the offseason. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Any trade target making less than $20 million is at the very least a realistic option though. The Warriors’ youngsters haven’t exactly developed as they may have wished, but players like James Wiseman and Moses Moody should maintain some value for rebuilding teams looking to get off veteran players.

Additionally, Golden State holds most of their draft assets heading into the future. Picks in five or six years could hold value for opposing teams should they expect the Warriors to fall off a cliff in the twilight or post-retirement years of Stephen Curry.

With a number of players thrown into trade speculation, here are three different plausible trades that the Warriors could make in the hopes of increasing their chance of a fifth Larry O’Brien Trophy in nine seasons.

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