Give the Golden State Warriors their flowers. No matter what happens next, this franchise deserves credit. They’ve been the face of the NBA for the better part of a decade.
It’s been a dynastic run for the Warriors. Is it coming to an end? We won’t go that far. Steph Curry is still performing at a peak level. As long as that’s true, the Warriors will be in the title hunt.
Still, this team didn’t look like real contenders in 2022-23. They barely escaped the Sacramento Kings in the first round of the playoffs. The Warriors couldn’t vanquish the Los Angeles Lakers in the next round. If this team wants to compete for the title again, they may need to make some moves this summer. Here are three we think they should consider.
Trade No. 1 – Warriors Acquire OG Anunoby From Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F Gary Payton III, F Jonathan Kuminga, 2026 First-Round Pick (GSW)
Golden State Warriors Receive: F OG Anunoby
Expect to see Kuminga’s name come up a lot. How could it not? After all, the Warriors haven’t been able to give him the opportunities that a lottery pick usually expects.
As a result, it’s been rumored that Kuminga wants a trade. We couldn’t blame him. The Warriors don’t have developmental reps to spare, and Kuminga needs developmental reps.
O.G. Anunoby doesn’t. In fact, he’s one of the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA. Smallball lineups featuring him alongside Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green could give a new meaning to “Death Lineup”. On the other hand, could the Warriors prefer to go bigger?
Trade No. 2 – Warriors Acquire Myles Turner From Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers Receive: G/F Gary Payton III, F Jonathan Kuminga, G/F Moses Moody, 2026 First-Round Pick (GSW)
Golden State Warriors Receive: C Myles Turner
It’s hard to say which of these directions would be better for the Warriors. Anunoby would offer them a great deal of positional versatility. With that said, he and Wiggins are both best used at the 3. The Warriors could feel that they’d rather avoid that positional overlap.
If so, Turner could be the target. In fact, we’ve never seen the Warriors with a big man like this. Imagine having to contain Steph Curry when even his 5 is a threat to hit threes. That sounds like an impossible task. Acquiring Turner could make the Warriors a dominant squad on both ends of the floor.
Provided, of course, that they’re willing to trade Kuminga. What if they’re not? If the Warriors intend on featuring him next season, they may not want to cut ties with his star potential. If that’s how they feel, perhaps there’s another way for them to upgrade this roster.
Trade No. 3 – Warriors Send Chris Paul To Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G Chris Paul, 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – GSW)
Golden State Warriors Receive: G/F Norman Powell, F Robert Covington
The Warriors just acquired Chris Paul. As a result, they wouldn’t be able to do this deal until closer to the deadline. That’s perfect – if things are working out with Paul, they won’t even want to move him.
Will things work out with Paul? Time will tell. Allegedly, he still sees himself as a starting-caliber player. Meanwhile, there are stylistic clashes here. Paul likes to methodically work the pick and roll, while the Warriors play a faster-paced brand of basketball. Is this an ideal match?
We’re not sure. It’s fair to also note that Paul is a basketball genius. He’s got a good chance of adapting to this team’s style. On the other hand, if he can’t, the Clippers need a point guard. Here, the Warriors are providing them one in exchange for two solid rotation players. Whether it works out or not, give them credit for trying.