Golden State Warriors: Rival forward could become available in ultimate win-now trade

While the Golden State Warriors, like all teams at this time of year, are gauging any and all trade possibilities, there remains a high likelihood that the franchise sticks with their current group and simply makes minor moves around the edge of the roster.

However, if new General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. wants to make a major statement in his opening weeks in the role, then the perfect win-now trade target may be on the brink of becoming available.

Los Angeles Clippers’ star Paul George would be the ultimate win-now trade target if he were to become available for the Golden State Warriors this offseason.

With one big name already off the board after Bradley Beal’s move to the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, Los Angeles Clippers’ forward Paul George is the latest All-Star to have his future put on the agenda.

According to Marc Stein (subscription required), the Clippers may be open to the idea of George departing the franchise after four disappointing and injury-plagued seasons playing alongside Kawhi Leonard.

"“The LA Clippers have left various rival teams with the impression through their Draft Week conversation that they are, at a minimum, attempting to gauge Paul George’s trade value and, to hear some describe it, giving real consideration to the idea of disassembling the Kawhi Leonard/George tandem”, Stein wrote."

If the eight-time All-Star were to become available in trade conversations, there would be no better win-now target for the Warriors to consider. At his best he’s one of the best two-way forwards in the game, not only an elite-level player but also a perfect fit for what Golden State needs.

However, the 33-year-old has played in just 56 games or less across each of the past four seasons. The injury issues make him an undoubted risk for any team, and it also makes it difficult to measure his potential trade value around the league.

The Warriors could go ‘all-in’ by dealing Jordan Poole, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody and a haul of future draft capital. It would increase their payroll and luxury tax even more, but a top six of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, George, Draymond Green and Kevon Looney would have to be tantalizing for Joe lacob and the ownership group.

Would the Clippers accept that deal? Perhaps not given they’d still like to remain in some sort of contention while Leonard remains at the franchise. If that’s the case, would each team consider a straight Thompson-for-George deal with a couple of minor assets thrown in either way?

Regardless, if George is in anyway gettable this offseason, Golden State would be doing a disservice by not at least reaching out to the Clippers and gauging what it would take to bring another All-Star to the Bay.