The Golden State Warriors will be the focus of much attention, particularly from Warriors supporters, as the 2024
NBA trade deadline approaches in less than two days. Golden State is still viewed as being outside the play-in
tournament picture. It’s worth considering if a trade will even be necessary to save the season, given that the
Warriors are currently positioned 12th in the Western Conference. Nevertheless, the team owes it to Stephen Curry,
who is still playing at a very high level at 35 years old, to keep fighting until everything falls apart. By the time April
rolls around, the Warriors might have a legitimate shot at competing for a postseason berth thanks to one big trade.
Chris Paul and Andrew Wiggins are the two players who have been brought up in the majority of Golden State trade
discussions. But apparently, the corporation would rather wait for everyone to return in full shape than implement
some drastic adjustments.
Golden State’s plans before the deadline were recently revealed by Brett Siegel, an NBA Insider for ClutchPoints.
The chatter around the Warriors is that the coaches and players don’t want to see a big change, despite the urgent
need to alter the current course of events, according to sources. Rather, all they want and need is for everyone to
regain their health.
However, a lot can still happen in the two days leading up to Thursday. These are the greatest moves the Warriors
can make to support Stephen Curry at the NBA trade deadline, should they choose to conduct business.
Given that they have little chance of winning a championship with their current roster, the Chicago Bulls are one
team that ought to sell at the deadline. Chicago apparently plans to focus on making a push for the playoffs rather
than blowing it out at the deadline, even with Zach LaVine’s season-ending injury. As a result, it is said that the team
hopes to retain Alex Caruso, Nikola Vucevic, and DeMar DeRozan after February 8.
The Warriors would explore angling for a deal that would get them Alex Caruso and Nikola Vucev if the Bulls head
office changes its mind over the next 48 hours and realizes that a postseason appearance won’t actually do much for
their future going forward.
According to reports, Golden State enquired about Caruso from the Bulls. Vucevic would assist in addressing the
team’s need for greater upfront bulk in the interim.
Why it makes sense for the Warriors and Bulls to deal
In order to get Vucevic and Caruso, the Dubs can use that to send a package to Chicago that includes Chris Paul,
Moses Moody, a 2026 unprotected first-round selection, and a 2028 first-round pick (probably with protections).
The Bulls may be drawn to this arrangement mostly because of the picks, which may be excellent choices given that
Golden State might be in rebuilding mode at that time. In addition, Moody, 21, is a terrific young player they can
develop as they start this rebuild, since Paul is essentially on an expiring contract.
Steve Kerr, meantime, has expressed his affection for Alex Caruso on record. He has developed into an effective
outside shooter and plays with a lot of tenacity and intensity on defense. Above all, he is an excellent culture builder
for whatever team he joins.
On the one hand, Vucevic is the ideal big man to fit into Kerr’s offensive scheme. He is an excellent passer for a large
man and can score on the low block as well as from outside the area. Before Thursday, a major blockbuster like this
may be advantageous to both clubs.
The Brooklyn Nets are another team that might sell at the deadline. As of right now, they are 11th in the Eastern
Conference, and by the end of the season, they’ll probably be in the lottery. Brooklyn might make a trade at the
deadline with its strong group of veterans. If the Warriors believe that they need to make some adjustments before
the deadline, they might think about making a deal with them.
According to reports, the Warriors will only make a trade if it improves them. As a result, they ought to pursue Mikal
Bridges and might even do so by acquiring Nic Claxton. In order to acquire Bridges and Claxton, Golden State might
trade Andrew Wiggins, Moses Moody, Gary Payton II, and two first-round selections to Brooklyn. Although the Nets
are seeking a premium price for Bridges, they may receive high draft picks in the future given that Golden State will
be providing those picks. Moses Moody is a promising prospect to watch as the Nets start their rebuilding process.
Even though Wiggins is having his worst season to date, he has recently started to improve gradually. They may
someday be able to trade him for more assets if he can find his previous level of play from the 2022 NBA Finals.
Bridges would be a significant improvement for Golden State over Wiggins as he is right now. He would serve as one
of the team’s main defenders and provide the Warriors with another dependable scoring option.
In the meantime, Claxton would help the Warriors frontcourt compete with the larger NBA clubs by adding greater
agility and rim protection. With this transaction, Chris Paul can continue to play as the second unit’s player while the
Warriors can improve their frontcourt and wings.
