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Grade the trade: Golden State Warriors acquire 8-time All-Star in latest mock deal

By Peter O'Keefe

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 28: Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers passes under pressure from Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Staples Center on November 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 28: Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers passes under pressure from Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Staples Center on November 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers passes around Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on March 02, 2023. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers passes around Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on March 02, 2023. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

A risk worth taking for the Warriors?

George has a $45.6 million contract for 2023-24 and a $48.8 million player option for the following season. That’s a lot of money for a team who’s move for Paul has signalled the desire for increased financial flexibility.

As Bleacher Report points out, giving up significant young assets in Kuminga and Moody is also fraught with danger given George could theoretically up-and-leave the franchise after just one season.

Make no mistake though, this is a deal with huge upside for the Warriors. They deal their third guard for an All-Star level forward — that in itself appeals as a far better fit to their current roster construction.

George averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists last season, continuing to prove himself as a do-it-all forward with incredible shot making ability and a constantly growing playmaking facet.

Imagine a starting and closing five of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, George and Draymond Green? You’d be hard-pressed to find a better five-man combination anywhere else in the league.

Final evaluation

This trade would certainly increase the Warriors’ title chances for next season, but it does come with significant risk and things could go pear-shaped if George can’t stay fit and/or leaves the team after the expiration of his current contract.

It’s not a deal likely to be made in the short-term. Perhaps if Paul struggles with the Warriors and George continues to battle injury with the Clippers, then both teams may come together in discussions closer to next year’s trade deadline.

Grade: B

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