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Grade the Trade: Golden State Warriors sacrifice the future for win-now role player in mock deal

By Peter O'Keefe

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 01: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors competes while Kyle Anderson #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends in the first quarter of the game at Target Center on February 01, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Warriors 119-114 in overtime. 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 David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 01: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors competes while Kyle Anderson #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends in the first quarter of the game at Target Center on February 01, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Warriors 119-114 in overtime. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) /
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If there’s something you can’t criticize the Golden State Warriors for this offseason, it’s prioritizing their future dynastic ambitions over the legendary core of veterans currently in place.

After entering last season with five players in their first-to-third season, and another in his fourth, the franchise, now under the control of a new General Manager in Mike Dunleavy Jr., has learnt its lesson after a tumultuous 2022-23 campaign.

This offseason Golden State most notably traded a 24-year-old Jordan Poole for a 38-year-old Chris Paul, also sending out both their 2022 draft picks that included a talented perimeter shooter in Patrick Baldwin Jr.

The Warriors nabbed veterans Dario Saric and Cory Joseph in free agency, before taking a serious look at 37-year-old future hall of famer Dwight Howard. Whichever way the franchise goes with the vacant 14th roster spot, you can be assured it will be someone with extensive NBA experience.

With a win-now approach almost set in stone, the Golden State Warriors still have the young assets to make more moves should they wish.

Golden State may still have two players entering their third season and another pair entering their rookie year, but they appear far more ready to contribute than what we saw 12 months ago.

Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody have each had another year in the system, Trayce Jackson-Davis is a 23-year-old rookie with four years of college experience, and Brandin Podziemski looks a far more polished 20-year-old than what Baldwin did at the same point.

Still, those are young players the Warriors could still cash in for more win-now talent. That’s exactly what’s been suggested in a recent article from Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey looking at ‘1 Trade for Every NBA Team a Month Before New Season’.

In this deal Golden State move a pair of their aforementioned young players for one of the best role players in the league. Let’s evaluate its validity:

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