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Can harsh trade reality spur Golden State Warriors’ youngster?

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 11: Moses Moody #4 of the Golden State Warriors is congratulated by Jonathan Kuminga #00 after Moody scored and was fouled on the shot against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on October 11, 2022 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 11: Moses Moody #4 of the Golden State Warriors is congratulated by Jonathan Kuminga #00 after Moody scored and was fouled on the shot against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on October 11, 2022 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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There would have been some nervous moments for Moses Moody in the hours leading up to last Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. Reports suggested the Golden State Warriors were willing to move him and James Wiseman, yet it was ultimately just the latter who was traded by the franchise.

Can Moses Moody use the harsh reality of trade speculation as a means to improvement and finding his way back into the Golden State Warriors’ rotation?

It’s been a tough second season for the 20-year-old wing, having struggled to find a consistent role in Steve Kerr’s rotation. Moody’s place in trade discussions wasn’t overly surprising based on the last few months, but it was given the expectations placed on him heading into the season.

Perhaps having his name linked in trade deals could provide a circuit-breaker for Moody. He got rare albeit limited first-half minutes against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday, helped turn the complexion of Monday’s game against the Washington Wizards, and had seven points in just over 13 minutes against the Los Angeles Clippers. Perhaps Kerr hasn’t completely forgot about the former 14th overall pick afterall?

Moses Moody talking with Golden State Warriors’ head coach Steve Kerr. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Moses Moody talking with Golden State Warriors’ head coach Steve Kerr. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

As a prototype three-and-D wing, Moody was viewed as the most ready to contribute youngster on Golden State’s roster heading into the season. Instead, it’s been Jonathan Kuminga who’s rose to prominence, leaving Moody and Wiseman floundering and ultimately in trade discussion.

His shooting percentages are fine but hardly spectacular — 44.2% from the field and 34.6% from three-point range. But it’s his inability to impact the game in any meaningful way that holds him back from greater minutes. There was optimism he’d become a stable point-of-attack defender, yet at this stage his lack of lateral quickness means he gets blown by off the dribble far too often.

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The threat of hearing/reading himself in trade reports could be the tonic Moody needs to reboot his short career. While being dealt during the offseason is still a very real possibility, he still has time to showcase what he has to offer to the coaching staff and front office.

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