Young wing proving why he shouldn’t be Golden State Warriors major trade piece

While he may be overshadowed by the electricity surrounding Jonathan Kuminga’s preseason performances, fellow third-year lottery pick Moses Moody has equally impressed for the Golden State Warriors through the opening three games.

Having played meaningful minutes for Golden State in the playoffs, Moody’s early impact is little surprise to many who expected another leap this season. That doesn’t mean it shouldn’t go unnoticed though, particularly given where he’s come from in the last 12 months.

Moses Moody is proving why he shouldn’t be considered a major trade piece for the Golden State Warriors.

The 21-year-old is averaging 15.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 26.1 minutes this preseason, doing so while shooting a highly efficient 50% from the floor and 50% from three-point range.

It’s easy to forget that not that long ago, earlier this year in fact, Moody was reportedly in trade discussions ahead of the mid-season deadline in February. That ultimately didn’t eventuate, with the former 14th overall pick responding with a strong finish to last season.

That’s seemingly transferred to this preseason — Moody’s jumpshot off the catch is looking the best it ever has, while he’s also shown some improvement as a ball-handler and finisher around the rim.

Even still, there’s some who believe that Moody’s future with the franchise isn’t secure. In a recent article outlining ‘1 Player Every NBA Team Should Put On the Trade Block’, Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey listed the 6’5″ wing as Golden State’s trade piece.

"…”to upgrade this roster without moving any of the franchise cornerstones, the Warriors would likely have to move a younger player like Jonathan Kuminga or Moses Moody. Kuminga’s size and athleticism may make him the higher-upside piece, but those attributes are also why Golden State should want to keep him on a team that’s small at almost every position. Moody is a 21-year old with a 36.3 three-point percentage who may be worth more size from some other team,” Bailey wrote."

Although it will have to transfer into the regular season, Moody’s early form is disproving any thought that he should be a trade candidate. For a franchise that’s moved on from both James Wiseman and Jordan Poole over the last nine months, the youth of Moody and Kuminga is providing the x-factor Golden State may need to be true championship contenders again.

While he may not have the upside or intrigue that Kuminga is currently showcasing, there’s a steady presence to Moody who’s well on track to become a decade-plus three-and-D wing in the NBA.