The Golden State Warriors find themselves at a crucial junction as the NBA season progresses. Currently positioned at 18-17 and ranked eighth in the Western Conference, the team displays the solid defense necessary for competitiveness, but their offensive capabilities have not kept pace with the league’s top talents. In light of this reality, Bleacher Report insider Dan Favale has suggested that the Warriors should consider an assertive approach to potential trades.
Favale identified three players as trade targets: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Derrick White, and Trey Murphy III. While Giannis remains more a dream than a realistic option due to the Milwaukee Bucks’ reluctance to part with the superstar, White and Murphy present more feasible possibilities for Golden State.
Derrick White, who is currently playing for the Boston Celtics, could significantly bolster the Warriors’ capabilities. Averaging 18.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists, White has also set career-highs with 1.4 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. Though his shooting numbers have dipped slightly, his defensive prowess is at an all-time high. Importantly, he would not hinder the Warriors’ spacing—a critical component for a team that thrives on it. Favale describes White as ‘kitchen-sink material’ for any team vying for success during the Stephen Curry era.
On the other hand, Trey Murphy III offers a different but complementary skill set. At 6’8″, he excels in off-ball movement and effective scoring, averaging 20.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting 49.2% from the field and 37.9% from beyond the arc. While not as defensively stout as White, Murphy would enhance the Warriors’ offensive spacing and add much-needed scoring punch.
Both potential trades would require significant sacrifices from the Warriors, likely starting with rising star Jonathan Kuminga, salary fillers like Buddy Hield or De’Anthony Melton, and possibly future first-round draft picks. White’s four-year, $118 million contract and Murphy’s four-year, $112 million extension highlight both players’ long-term viability, aligning with the Warriors’ current win-now mentality.
As the Warriors continue to excel defensively but struggle to generate offensive momentum, the urgency for a trade becomes increasingly clear. With the playoffs on the horizon, adding either White to stabilize both ends of the floor or Murphy to bring newfound offensive creativity could be pivotal for a franchise still revolving around the talents of Stephen Curry. Inaction could signal acceptance of mediocrity, something the Warriors—who built their dynasty around excellence and championship aspirations—would likely choose to avoid.