Golden State Warriors missed big on new Lakers power-forward

The Golden State Warriors ended up making a major trade in the final hours before the NBA trade deadline earlier this month, sending James Wiseman to the Detroit Pistons in a four-team deal that saw them re-acquire Gary Payton II from the Portland Trail Blazers.

However, the fruits of that trade are yet to be seen, with Payton remaining sidelined as he recovers from an abdominal injury. It’s left the Warriors incredibly shorthanded as veterans Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins and Andre Iguodala have also been absent.

The Golden State Warriors missed a big opportunity to make a move for Jarred Vanderbilt, with the Los Angeles Lakers acquiring him for a remarkably low price.

While Payton should prove a valuable pickup once he returns, the Warriors missed out on adding another role player in Jarred Vanderbilt. The former Utah Jazz forward was also dealt in a multi-team trade, finding his way to the Los Angeles Lakers alongside D’Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley. The Jazz ultimately received Russell Westbrook, Damian Jones, Juan Toscano-Anderson and a top four protected 2027 Lakers pick for Mike Conley, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Beasley and Vanderbilt.

Given that price, we can assume that Vanderbilt himself was available for a first-round pick. An elite rebounding, high-level defensive player is just what the Warriors needed, and a first-rounder would have been a fair price to pay given Vanderbilt remains under contract for next season at less than $4.7 million.

Vanderbilt is already displaying his value with the Lakers, proving a key architect in their massive comeback win over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. He had 15 points, 17 rebounds and some elite defensive possessions on Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic, helping his team overcome a 27-point deficit to win by three.

The 23-year-old holds more value to the Lakers than he would to the Warriors, having entered the starting lineup alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the frontcourt. Vanderbilt would be a 15-20 minute per game backup for Golden State, but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t have been a crucial pickup.

It’s unsure how much, if any interest the Warriors had in Vanderbilt, though the bargain price means they weren’t doing their due diligence without some kind of inquiry. Golden State will need Payton to return and make an impact, otherwise the outlook on their trade deadline activity could frustrate fans further.