Trade Roundup 2: Mikal Bridges, Dorian Finney-Smith, Wendell Carter Jr
Trade Roundup 2: Mikal Bridges, Dorian Finney-Smith, Wendell Carter Jr
Do these move the needle?
Continuing where we left off in
I plan to only address trade ideas that (1) work in the Trade Machine and (2) are proposed by someone in NBA media.
4. Wendell Carter Jr.
ORL gets Moses Moody and Kevon Looney
GSW gets Wendell Carter Jr.
Here's one from today's [1/16/24] Dunc'd On podcast (NOT reporting, just a made up trade idea).
I'm guessing most folks here would dislike it. I would be really sad about it because I love Kevon, but otherwise don't have much of an opinion either way. Just placing it here because... well, because.
I guess I should add that the pitch, from the GS perspective, was that Carter is a big who could be effective playing alongside Draymond, both offensively and defensively. Switchable, good rim protection, and can shoot a bit.
5. Mikal Bridges and Dorian Finney-Smith
Goofus writes:
Timpf suggests
BRK gets Kuminga, Moody and Wiggins
GSW gets Mikal Bridges and Dorian Finney-Smith
and I’m intrigued
Also: https://www.threads.net/@jugnijjar/post/C2VhM-wxOgC
6 & 7. O’Neale, Morris/Reed/Covington
GSW gets Royce O'Neale
BRK gets Gary Payton II, 2025 Second-Round Pick (CHA)
For Golden State, it solves the long-term money equation. O'Neale is off the books in the summer if the front office desires it. On the court, he has been a starting-caliber wing for about half a decade now. His minutes are down in 2023-24, largely due to Brooklyn's wing glut, but O'Neale can absolutely impact the Warriors' title pursuit as a rangy defender who supplies valuable connective tissue on offense.
And
GSW gets
Marcus Morris Sr.
Paul Reed
Robert Covington
2024 Second-Round Pick (NYK) + 2028 Second-Round Pick (PHI)
PHI gets
Chris Paul
Kevon Looney
Here, Marcus Morris Sr. and Robert Covington arrive from the Philadelphia 76ers. Morris' decline is well-documented, but he's still a big wing with a confident 3-point stroke. Robert Covington has been vastly underutilized in Philadelphia. His range as an off-ball defender would materially benefit the Warriors' soggy defense. Factor in a stash of second-round picks, and it's a reasonable proposition.
In the latest Lowe/Simmons trade chatter podcast, Simmons utters the word “Charlotte” … and Lowe instantly knows what he’s about to ask: LaMelo Ball, Hayward’s expiring, and ALL THE PICKS you can legally offer (four unprotected first rounders plus three swaps) to GS for #30.
Both agree that there’s no way GS would — or should — do it. Simmons related how he would rather have had Bird retire a Celtic than have seen him traded for peak Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp. And Lowe says that’s what’s beautiful about sports fandom.
Lowe also gives a nice tribute to Dejan at the end of the show.
Purely emotional decision-making from me, but any trade that gives away Kevon Looney or Gary Payton II gets an automatic no. While I would like to keep a lot of other guys, it does seem like something needs to change and any trade pretty much needs an expiring contract, a young gun, or something. But I can't see us getting back anyone who's as likable and good for our team as those two. Also, no trading Steph, obviously.