The Golden State Warriors missed their top two trade targets this summer. First, a deal for Paul George fell through, leading him to join the Philadelphia 76ers. Then, Lauri Markkanen signed a contract extension to stay with the Utah Jazz despite rumors of a potential trade.
According to Marc Stein, who wrote in his SteinLine newsletter, the Warriors believe they are “well-positioned” to make a trade within the next year, assuming the right target becomes available. Golden State has multiple high-level young players and future draft picks at its disposal.
“Team officials believe they remain well-positioned for a trade upgrade at some point in the next year or so after responding to the free agent departure of Curry’s longtime backcourt mate Klay Thompson by acquiring Kyle Anderson, Buddy Hield and De’Anthony Melton on short-term deals and retaining all of their draft picks,” Stein reported. “The distinct sense at Chase Center is that the Clippers and Jazz, despite no shortage of conversation with both teams, did not really want to do business with the Warriors.”
Unfortunately for the Warriors, they’re unlikely to find a needle-moving trade this deep into the offseason. As such, they will need to begin the new basketball year with the current roster — which does include the recently acquired Buddy Hield, De’Antony Melton and Kyle Anderson.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see who the Warriors target or who becomes available for trade. After all, the franchise has remained committed to maximizing Curry’s final years, and that will likely mean bringing in a clear-cut second scoring option sooner rather than later.
