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3 Teams the Golden State Warriors could trade with if they land the number one pick

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 13: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors dunks the ball against Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Washington Wizards in the second quarter at Chase Center on February 13, 2023 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 13: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors dunks the ball against Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Washington Wizards in the second quarter at Chase Center on February 13, 2023 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Kristaps Porzingis looks to drive against the Golden State Warriors. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Kristaps Porzingis looks to drive against the Golden State Warriors. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Washington Wizards

The third team here and the one with the lowest chance at the number one pick, the Washington Wizards’ 35-47 regular season record means they have a 6.7% chance of getting lucky at the lottery.

Just like the Pacers, Washington already has an incumbent big man and one that shares a lot of similarities to Wembanyama. Kristaps Porzingis is one of, if not the original unicorn thanks to his capacity to handle the ball and shoot from range at a ridiculous 7’3” frame.

Porzingis has dealt with a lot of injury issues across his career, and largely underwhelmed since being an All-Star in just his third season. He did re-establish himself in Washington this season though, averaging 23.2 points per game on 49.8% shooting from the field — both career-highs.

Like Turner in Indiana, Porzingis and Wembanyama could be an intriguing duo, but the Wizards may decide to move on from the Latvian to give the young star full control. The 27-year-old could see the writing on the wall himself anyway, potentially opting out of his $36 million player option for next season.

The idea of the talented big man heading to the Warriors has already been floated in recent days, with Sports Illustrated’s Ben Stinar suggesting a deal centered around Porzingis and Jordan Poole.

Golden State Warriors must tackle first step before proceeding with big offseason. dark. Next

Porzingis’ offensive skill set would be fascinating at Golden State, and a potential deal would balance out the Warriors’ guard-heavy roster that sees them owing over $120 million next season to Poole, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

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