The Golden State Warriors have a critical opportunity to enhance their roster before the upcoming trade deadline, which is just weeks away. While earlier aspirations of teaming Stephen Curry with superstars like LeBron James and Kevin Durant may have been overly ambitious, the focus now turns toward more realistic improvements that could still make a significant impact.
General Manager Mike Dunleavy is encouraged to seek practical solutions. One suggested move involves acquiring a center, a position that has been notably lacking in size during Curry’s tenure with the Warriors. Proposals have emerged, including one from Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz, who recommends a trade with the Toronto Raptors for seven-foot center Jakob Poeltl.
This trade proposition would see the Warriors offering young player Moses Moody alongside two expiring contracts—Kevon Looney and Gary Payton II. Swartz suggests that such a trade would be beneficial for the Raptors, who are looking to rebuild and could capitalize on Poeltl’s current solid performance—averaging 15.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game.
Moody, while not yet a central figure for the Warriors, has shown promising signs, shooting a career-high 39% from beyond the arc and averaging 17.7 points per 36 minutes. Meanwhile, Looney and Payton II’s expiring contracts could help Toronto manage its salary cap, making the proposed deal appealing for both sides.
Though Poeltl may not be the marquee name that fans initially hoped for, acquiring him could signify a successful deadline for Dunleavy, potentially paving the way for a more competitive second half of the season for the Warriors.
Overall, this pragmatic approach could bolster the Warriors’ frontcourt and provide the support needed for Curry, allowing Golden State to enhance its chances for both this season and beyond.