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The trade deadline is quickly approaching, yet the Golden State Warriors are stuck in the middle of nowhere. They are seemingly not good enough to compete, yet they are too good to tank.
With a 23-23 record, the Warriors are currently in the eighth spot in the Western Conference. If the season ended today, they would have to play against the LA Clippers in a play-in game.
Fortunately, the Warriors have 36 games left in the 2022-23 season. However, they will have to make a couple of moves to improve their roster if they intend on competing for another championship.
Golden State Warriors could trade for Kyle Kuzma
Kyle Kuzma is having a career year with the Washington Wizards. In 45 games in the 2022-23 season, the 6-foot-9 forward is averaging a career-high 21.8 points per game.
Kuzma is only 27 and has shown a lot of potential. However, he only has one more year left on his contract, yet he has a Player Option on it, which he'll likely decline.
As a talented scorer, Kuzma would drastically improve the Warriors. While he could improve the team this season, trading for him would most likely be a half-year rental as the forward is worth much more than just $13 million.
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Proposed trade: Kyle Kuzma for James Wiseman, JaMychal Green and 2027 first-round pick
The Wizards could get a young player they could potentially turn into a star, as well as a first-round pick. The Warriors, on the other hand, would be incredibly dangerous with Kuzma's arsenal.
Trading with San Antonio Spurs for Jakob Poeltl
The San Antonio Spurs are willing to trade Jakob Poeltl, who is on an expiring contract. Considering how good he is, there is no doubt that the Warriors would benefit from his presence.
The 7-foot-1 center has drastically improved over the past few years and is averaging 12.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per game this season.
The Spurs are in rebuilding mode, which is why the Golden State Warriors would need to give up a few of their young players. While this trade would not work out for the long-term future of the Warriors, it would put them in a good position to compete in this year's playoffs.
Proposed trade: Jakob Poeltl, Josh Richardson for Kevon Looney, Jonathan Kuminga, Donte DiVincenzo
The Warriors would swap DiVincenzo for Richardson, while they would get a big upgrade at the center position. The Spurs would get a couple of players they could use for their long-term plans.
Warriors and the major overhaul
Draymond Green is a big part of the Golden State Warriors. He is a very intelligent and versatile defender who makes the team very dangerous on the defensive end of the floor.
Unfortunately, the Warriors are dealing with luxury tax issues and the defensive specialist may opt out of his contract for the 2023-24 season. If he does, he will be a free agent.
If Green exercises his Player Option, he will be paid $27.6 million next season. However, it appears that he wants more money, which is not something that the Dubs may be able to afford.
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Proposed trade: Buddy Hield, Myles Turner for Draymond Green, James Wiseman, 2023 first-round pick
The Indiana Pacers have wanted to trade Turner for a long time and Hield has also been involved in many trade rumors. In return, they would get a defensive specialist they would be able to re-sign, a young player with a lot of potential, and a valuable first-round draft pick.
