The Golden State Warriors are currently amid one of the most embarrassing streaks in the NBA. They started the season 12-3 and were the top seed in the Western Conference, but they have since slid down the standings and are now in ninth place and expected to make the NBA Play-In Tournament, which is where their season ended last year.
Unlike other recently struggling teams like the Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans and Miami Heat, the Warriors don’t seem to have any internal turmoil or season-altering injuries to use as an excuse.
Instead, the Steve Kerr-led team must confront a scary reality: Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are not enough to win a title anymore, and Golden State needs to quickly improve their roster around them.
As the Dubs try to right the ship, they have been linked to several premier trade targets. Some are realistic, like Jimmy Butler and Brandon Ingram, and others, like LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo, are not.
Instead of trying to add an All-NBA level talent, the Warriors could bolster their supporting cast. As the Portland Trail Blazers try to tank, the Warriors could offer Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II, Lindy Waters III and a 2026 first-round pick for Anfernee Simons and Robert Williams III.
On offense, Simons is posting 18 points per game and is shooting 33.9% from deep. He is also averaging five assists and can play either guard spot alongside Curry, Dennis Schröder and Brandin Podziemski.
Simons’ shooting numbers this year are down from his career average of 38.1% from 3-point range. Both he and Williams III are under contract through next season, giving the Dubs two playoff chances before they have to tear it all down. By then, Green and Curry might be done playing, anyway.
The Blazers, meanwhile, offload some salary as Payton II and Waters III are both on expiring contracts. Wiggins is a tradeable piece that they could flip down the road to continue their rebuild.
