Grade the Trade: Warriors flip Poole for Pascal Siakam in latest idea

Would the Warriors make this deal?

The basic structure of this deal fits what the Warriors are likely pursuing this offseason. If they go for another title, it’s likely going to come at the expense of the “two timelines” approach. That’s the price you pay to win titles, however, and bottoming out hard when Stephen Curry retires is fine; this team will never again have a player as good as Curry.

The questions with this deal are not theory, but rather value and fit. First, is Pascal Siakam worth this package? He has averaged at least 21.4 points per game over the past four seasons, and in the last two has improved his overall efficiency. He is a strong rebounder, a good passer, and at 29-years-old is still firmly in his prime for at least a few more seasons. He fits the fringe All-Star category of a player like Dejounte Murray, who got two firsts and two swaps. Here the Warriors would send one late first, one future first, Jordan Poole and Jonathan Kuminga. How does that balance out?

The other question is that of fit. Siakam is certainly talented, but he’s not much of a 3-point shooter. He hit 32.4 percent from deep last season and 32.7 percent for his career. He would likely start with Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins in the frontcourt, which defensively would be a switching monster with their combination of size, ability and rim protection. With the loss of Poole, can the Warriors keep enough shooting on the court to make that combination viable?

The answer is likely yes, with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Moses Moody being key pieces in the rotation. If Donte DiVincenzo returns for another season that’s four plus shooters in the perimeter rotation, giving them plenty of lineup options. Add in Gary Payton II and Kevon Looney and that’s a top-9 the Warriors can go to war with.

This deal might be a slight overpay, but this season is the Warriors’ best chance to win a title given the core’s age and the coming CBA restrictions on expensive teams. The front office should strongly consider this trade, as it could be the best on the table.

Grade: B+