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5 Golden State Warriors trade targets to monitor before the deadline

By Peter O'Keefe

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 18: OG Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors defends against Moses Moody #4 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on December 18, 2021 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 - DECEMBER 18: OG Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors defends against Moses Moody #4 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on December 18, 2021 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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There’s less than six hours until the NBA trade deadline with a number of players still likely to be moved around the league. After significant deals made by the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers over the last 24 hours, along with another loss at the hands of the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, the Golden State Warriors are under some pressure to make a deal.

A couple of potential Golden State Warriors targets were taken off the board on Wednesday, though there’s still room to find a major upgrade.

A pair of intriguing options have already found new homes — former Utah Jazz forward Jarred Vanderbilt was part of a three-team, eight-player deal that saw him land with the Lakers, while in-demand San Antonio Spurs big man Jakob Poeltl was traded back to the team that drafted him, the Toronto Raptors. Here are five players/team to monitor over the remaining five hours till the trade deadline.

5. Matisse Thybulle

A third of the league is interested in the Philadelphia 76ers wing according to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype. That’s likely to include Golden State who were linked to Thybulle last week. The 25-year-old would instantly become the Warriors best perimeter defender, and his off-ball cutting may be better utilized in Steve Kerr’s system rather than the often ‘stand and watch’ style of the 76ers with James Harden and Joel Embiid. Golden State may struggle to offer a deal Philadelphia find attractive given they’re in championship contention.

Could Matisse Thybulle be on his way to the Golden State Warriors in the next few hours? (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Could Matisse Thybulle be on his way to the Golden State Warriors in the next few hours? (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

4. Mason Plumlee

If the Warriors want a third string center behind Kevon Looney and Draymond Green, Plumlee might be the best available option who isn’t necessarily too overqualified for the position (like Poeltl would have been). His $8.5 million contract could be a straight swap for James Wiseman — would it be worth it?

3. PJ Washington

Washington’s on the final season of his rookie deal and could be a worthwhile straight swap for out of favour Warriors’ wing Moses Moody. The 6’7″ forward is averaging over 14 points per game for the Charlotte Hornets this season, and while he’d have a far lesser role for Golden State, he could certainly become a part of their nightly rotation.

2. The Brooklyn Nets

This might be most intriguing aspect to monitor for the last few hours. Brooklyn are headed for a major rebuild after dealing Kevin Durant, and attention now focuses on who else they may be willing to trade. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski has already reported that the Nets are likely to field offers for Jae Crowder, but could the Warriors lure one of the other forwards they’ve just acquired. Mikal Bridges would be off the table and out of Golden State’s price range regardless, yet how about Dorian Finney-Smith? A Wiseman-Moody package may get it done.

dark. Next. Why Golden State Warriors should trade Moses Moody before James Wiseman

1. OG Anunoby

The big prize that most consider left, although it’s unsure what Toronto’s acquisition of Poeltl does for their other plans. There’s been no progress on Anunoby, though The Ringers’ Kevin O’Connor did urge the Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies to do ‘whatever it takes’ to get him. You’d expect Jonathan Kuminga to be the sticking point for both teams if conversations were to take place.

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