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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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Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga throws down a dunk over Mason Plumlee. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga throws down a dunk over Mason Plumlee. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Golden State Warriors acquire veteran big man and an intriguing young forward for former number two overall pick James Wiseman.

James Wiseman is the hottest name surrounding the Warriors as we enter the final hours before the trade deadline. His $9.6 million contract, and the untapped potential as a second overall pick, could provide Golden State with the leverage to get something of value in return.

A lot of discussion has surrounded San Antonio Spurs big man Jakob Poeltl. Many believe the Austrian is available and from a Warriors’ perspective, Wiseman’s contract would perfectly align to form a straight player-for-player swap. However, Poeltl is a starting calibre player and it would be difficult to re-sign him in free agency without that role available.

Enter the Charlotte Hornets who, like the Spurs, are well and truly out of the playoff picture and are looking to rebuild in the short-term. The Hornets have a desperate need for a quality young big man, though Mark Williams has shown promise in recent weeks. Pairing Wiseman with LaMelo Ball would be an interesting duo, and a somewhat ironic one given most believe the Warriors had to choose between the two ahead of the 2020 NBA draft. Here’s how it may be worthwhile from a Golden State perspective.

Plumlee is the ‘win-now’ part of this trade — a veteran center who’s going to be more understanding and accepting of a 10-15 minute role than Poeltl would. The 32-year-old is having quite the underrated season in an otherwise forgettable Charlotte season, posting a career-high 12.3 points and 9.7 rebounds per game. Adding him would give the Warriors another reliable option to lessen the workload on Kevon Looney and Draymond Green.

McDaniels would be an intriguing fit for Golden State from both from a short and long-term perspective. Initially there may be an overlap with Jonathan Kuminga in terms of athletic young wings coming off the bench, though having that pairing as two-way forwards for the future would be exciting. In his fourth year, McDaniels has enough development and experience to suggest he could be a rotation piece right away, however a sticking point may be what the Warriors would be willing to pay him come restricted free agency.

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