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From a bird's eye view, the Warriors might seem like the last team needing reinforcements right now. Having Boogie Cousins back in action with just about enough time left for him to catch his groove before the postseason, the Defending Champs are en route to making it unfair for the other teams again this year.
Currently, the Warriors are 1.5 games clear of the surging Denver Nuggets as they sit atop the Western Conference leaderboard hosting a 34-14(0.708) win-loss record next to their name. They look strong with the All-star break right around the corner and all their cogwheels in place and working to perfection.
Sporting five All-Stars in a starting lineup is something no franchise in the history of the game has been able to achieve. Moreover, Cousins smooth incorporation into the already deadly GSW roster has proven to be a spat on the face of all who thought it might not work out.
The trade deadline expires February 7th, and even though common opinion suggests inactivity on the front office's part, there might be a few threads worth looking into for some clarity.
Let's delve into Golden State's radar for now and see who their front office thinks would be a somewhat-enhancing piece for the team on paper.
#1 Warriors seem to be one of the interested parties in landing JR Smith.
Yes, who can forget Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals.
JR committed a blunder that many believe cost LeBron the series and for that matter, an embarrassing sweep in the Finals as well. However, a lot has changed since then. LeBron left to join the Lakers, the Cavaliers possess the worst record in the league this year AND JR Smith has suited up for just 11 games this season so far.
Apparently, both JR and Cavs are looking for someone to help them end this relationship, and guess who just might play that role, the mighty Warriors after all.
According to Sam Amico of Amico Hoops,
Finally, it appears exiled guard J.R. Smith may be somewhere closer to accepting a buyout after the trade deadline, after all. He has been working out and wants to play. Teams such as the Rockets and Warriors may be willing to give Smith a shot, but his large contract just won’t allow it to happen in a trade.
Well, the fact that he's earning $14.72 million this season and has a non-guaranteed cap hit of $15.68 million in 2019-20, makes it harder for teams to go crazy for him. With the Houston Rockets also mentioned as potential customers, if the Cavaliers plan on buying JR out post next month's deadline, then the player-franchise impasse might possibly come to an end.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors Roundup
Also read: Pistons Trade Rumors Roundup
Also read: Suns vs Lakers - Starting Lineup and Match Prediction
Also read: NBA Daily Schedule, Latest Results, and TV Listings
#2 The Warriors looking for more depth as the postseason approaches
Reflecting on Damian Jones' surgery following his torn left pectoral back in December, the Warriors need some depth as they look for a defensive five. They sure can be buyers in that respect with possible viable contenders aplenty.
Although the return of Cousins has eased Golden State's center depth woes for a while, they can't afford to overuse Boogie in an extended postseason run, considering the fact that he's 'not coming out reserved or timid' and will 'push his body to the limit as long as he's out there'.
With a couple of buyouts probable in the near future in Sacramento with Zach Randolph or in Chicago with Robin Lopez, there is a high chance that these players might be available on the open market as GSW look to benefit off their roles.
Along with DeWayne Dedmon of the Atlanta Hawks rumored to be in the Warriors' sights as well, it might be interesting to see who the Dubs are able to land ie, IF they plan on going out hunting.
#3 Kevin Durant's free agency plans just might stir the status quo
It's well known that the Warriors have moved past the Durant-Green beef and are focussing on a bigger task at hand right now. And that is, to win a Championship for the third-straight year.
Despite Warriors' recent success laced with the occasional on-court spats within the team, Durant's free agency is a storyline that has everybody scratching their heads.
An insight into KD's mind was as vague as it could be. But that's Durant for you,
“I just want to make sure I get as much money as I can on my next deal so I can stack up my money and figure it out. That’s just the plan. Play basketball and stack money.”
If money's the prime concern then the Warriors shouldn't sweat about it, as the former MVP qualifies for the super-max extension of an estimated $221 million over five years if he re-signs. Any other deal elsewhere might see itself capping out at $164 million over four years.
Keeping in mind that Durant sacrificed his salary earlier just so that the Warriors could facilitate a max contract for Steph Curry, it doesn't take much thought to deduce that he would be expecting to get paid in the coming times.
If he thinks he has had enough of the Warriors, joining LeBron in LA or starting afresh in some other franchise might still be on the cards, eventually leaving GSW with lots of money to cash in elsewhere.
Guess the Lakers players!
