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Surprise duo predicted as top trade targets for Golden State Warriors

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 27: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors and Caleb Martin #16 of the Miami Heat go for a rebound at Chase Center on October 27, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 27: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors and Caleb Martin #16 of the Miami Heat go for a rebound at Chase Center on October 27, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors have been no stranger to moving parts in recent times, with the franchise having made two significant trades over the last seven months.

Both those deals, involving the departures of James Wiseman and Jordan Poole, were predicated on increasing the Warriors’ title hopes in the short-term. With another championship the sole mindset heading into next season, another move could well be on the horizon.

A surprise duo have been predicted as top trade targets for the Golden State Warriors in their pursuit of a fifth NBA championship in the last decade.

In a recent article ‘Imagining Every NBA Team’s Top 3 Trade Targets Right Now’, Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley has identified three players who could all aid in Golden State’s aspirations.

The first name isn’t particularly a new one. The Warriors link to Toronto Raptors’ forward O.G. Anunoby dates back to before February’s trade deadline, with the franchise having reportedly made a hard push for the 26-year-old before balking at Toronto’s asking price.

The other two are a little more left field, albeit do make an element of sense. Buckley has suggested Golden State may have interest in Miami Heat swingman Caleb Martin and/or former Warrior Alec Burks.

Alec Burks of the Golden State Warriors looks on in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Chase Center on January 24, 2020. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Alec Burks of the Golden State Warriors looks on in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Chase Center on January 24, 2020. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

"“Martin is a mid-tier option who previously flashed as an energizer but just played his best basketball on the game’s biggest stage. Burks, who spent part of the 2019-20 season with the Warriors, brings the kind of shooting, defense and quick decision-making this system requires”, Buckley wrote."

Martin played an integral part in the Heat’s remarkable run to last season’s NBA Finals, averaging 12.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists in over 30 minutes per game during the playoffs. As an important role player in a contending team, you’d be hard pressed to envisage Miami sending the 27-year-old to a potential championship rival, albeit in the opposing conference.

As a member of the rebuilding Detroit Pistons, Burks would be much more gettable though with much less potential impact. The 32-year-old played 48 games with the Warriors in their disastrous 2019-20 season, averaging a career-high 16.1 points on 37.5% shooting from beyond the arc. Burks shot an impressive 41.4% from deep in 51 appearances with the Pistons last season, averaging 12.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.

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While Martin and Burks appear unlikely trade targets right now, they’re the sort of names that could pop up mid-season depending on how Golden State and rival teams begin their 2023-24 campaign.

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