If the Golden State Warriors are going to make a move at the February 8 trade deadline, it will likely be to upgrade their bench rotation. Steve Kerr recently discussed how hard it would be to upgrade the Warriors’ current talent pool. However, there’s always room for improvement, especially on the bench.
Golden State have struggled with their depth this season. Injuries, slumps, and suspensions have all played a part in the team’s struggle to roll out a consistent lineup and build a legitimate identity. With that in mind, it makes sense for Mike Dunleavy Jr. to explore some smaller deals to potentially give Kerr additional flexibility within his rotations.
The upside to making a smaller move is that it doesn’t cost as many assets. It also means Golden State’s core rotation will likely remain intact. However, figuring out what areas of the team to strengthen is never as easy as it sounds.
Here are three role players who could potentially improve the Warriors’ deep-bench rotation for the second half of the season and the playoffs.
Jordan Clarkson
Jordan Clarkson would give Golden State another scorer off the bench. He’s already proven he can be an impactful member of a bench rotation, winning the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2021. He can play either guard position and is comfortable operating as an off-ball shooter.
Clarkson could be a solid backup option when Klay Thompson‘s shot isn’t falling and could be a good fit next to both Steph Curry and Chris Paul.
Kelly Olynyk
Kelly Olynyk feels like he could be an ideal fit within Kerr’s system. He can create for others, score from all three levels, defend well, and bring size to the rotation. He’s in the final year of his contract, so the Warriors would likely want assurances he would remain with the franchise long-term, but he could be the ideal big man to help space the floor and provide somewhat of a rim-deterrent.
P.J. Washington
P.J. Washington is another name that has been floated about in trade rumors over the past few weeks. He is in the first year of a three-year $46.5 million deal. He can play multiple positions, is a reliable scorer, and has shown improvements on the defensive end. At 25 years old, Washington fits in with the Warriors veteran core and the younger developmental talent that’s begun to break through this season.
Whether the Warriors are willing to part with the assets necessary to acquire him is another question, though.
