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Grade the Trade: Golden State Warriors make all-time mistake in proposed deal

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 18: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors passes the ball to Andrew Wiggins #22 by Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the New York Knicks during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on November 18, 2022 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 18: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors passes the ball to Andrew Wiggins #22 by Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the New York Knicks during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on November 18, 2022 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors in action against Evan Fournier of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 14, 2021. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors in action against Evan Fournier of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on December 14, 2021. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Golden State Warriors Receive: Evan Fournier, Isaiah Hartenstein, 2024 First-Round Pick

New York Knicks Receive: Andrew Wiggins 

In this situation, the Warriors are dealing Wiggins for two expiring contracts in Evan Fournier and Isaiah Hartenstein. The latter, in particular, is a helpful rotation player who Piercey rightfully points out would be a smart fit in the Warrior system.

Hartenstein is making $8.2 million deal for 2023-24 — a similar amount to that of starting center Kevon Looney. They would share the center duties, allowing Draymond Green to play primarily at his usual power-forward spot rather than than taking on too much of a workload during the regular season.

The 25-year-old averaged five points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists in nearly 20 minutes per game for the Knicks last season. Hartenstein has turned himself into a reliable rotation player, but with the Warriors having signed Dario Saric as a free agent, his role and subsequent numbers would probably take a dip with Golden State.

Fournier has become a negative value contract at this point, though he’s now got just one year remaining at $18.9 million. At his best the Frenchman was a consistent 17-18-point per game scorer with the Orlando Magic, but he’s been out of favor with Knicks’ coach Tom Thibodeau, having played in just 27 games with New York last season.

As a career 37.9% three-point shooter, Fournier could theoretically be a fit in the Warrior system. However, you’d fully expect him to still be down the pecking order below alternative options in Moses Moody and Gary Payton II.

The 2024 first-round pick is the real value here, but that’s doing little to help the Warriors’ short-term ambition unless they believe they can flip it for something else. Even still, the Knicks’ place as a playoff team in two of the last three seasons means this pick is likely to be outside the lottery.

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