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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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Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors slam dunks over Kyle Anderson of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter at Chase Center on February 26, 2023. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors slam dunks over Kyle Anderson of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter at Chase Center on February 26, 2023. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Both teams say no?

Aside from his often hesitant three-point stroke, there’s little doubt Anderson would be a good fit at the Warriors. However, that’s not to say the franchise would be willing to give up an incredibly talented two-way talent in Kuminga, along with their recent 19th overall pick in Podziemski, to make it happen.

Would Golden State be entirely sure that Anderson is going to have more impact than Kuminga this season? While that’s the likely outcome, the 20-year-old does possess the sort of prodigious talent and high upside that if fulfilled, could see him become simply a better player than Anderson in a quick span of time. The 2028 pick-swap is helpful but becomes a little obsolete when the point of this trade is to sacrifice the future for the present.

It may be a deal where both teams would consider it for a moment and walk away. With a fully fit and healthy Karl Anthony-Towns, a full season with point-guard Mike Conley, and an emerging star in Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves have their own win-now ambitions that would likely be harmed by this move.

Next. 3 Golden State Warriors mock trades that help facilitate a Damian Lillard deal. dark

Summary

This may be close to a fair value deal if you ask neutral fans and analysts. However, the Warriors still hold high hopes for Kuminga and may believe that moving him for a role-player, as good as Anderson is, is unwarranted at this point.

The Timberwolves ownership and front office may also rightfully question why they’d be pushing a high-level role-player out for young but unproven assets, particularly given their ambitions to enter deep playoff discussions over the next couple of years.

This is a trade that could happen mid-season depending on the state of each team, but one that’s extremely unlikely to happen before tip-off next month.

Grades: 

Warriors: C-

Timberwolves C-

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