The Golden State Warriors have faced adversity all season, though Steve Kerr has done his best to keep the ship afloat. Still, the Warriors have many issues and are looking for ways to improve their team.
Steve Kerr Is Not In Favor Of Golden State Warriors Trading Chris Paul or Gary Payton II
Golden State is coming off a fairly decent showing in their homestand after returning to action following a week off due to the tragic death of assistant Dejan Milojevic. The Warriors went 2-2 during the homestand with narrow losses to Sacramento and the Los Angeles Lakers.
While Kerr, of course, would have been happier with a complete sweep of the homestand, there were some good things to come out of the four games. The Warriors averaged 132.5 points during the homestand as they shot 52.8% from the field, which was six points higher than their season shooting average at The Chase Center, and knocked down 18 treys a game at a 45% clip. A big reason for their offensive surge was their ball movement, with the Dubs averaging over 31 assists.
Steph Curry was terrific over the four games, averaging 35.3 points on 52.1% from the field and 50% from the 3-point line. Jonathan Kuminga, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, and Brandin Podziemski also played well during the stretch.
Still, the same things did the Warriors in that has been a problem all throughout the season. Turnovers, defense, and fouling continue to be issues.
Golden State has been rumored to be among some of the most active teams as the Warriors look to get back in the thick of the playoff race.
Golden State sits 12th in the Western Conference at 20-24. The Warriors are one-and-one-half games out of the 10th spot and six behind sixth-place Phoenix.
What Are The Rumors Surrounding The Warriors?
If Golden State is going to give themselves a chance at making the playoffs. The Warriors need another scorer and more size.
The problem is that the Warriors only have a few tradeable assets.
Especially since the Warriors said that Kuminga is off the table, per The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, Slater did say unless a star is available in return.
Kuminga has played well over the last two months, although he took it to another level in January. Last month, he compiled 20.6 points and 5.6 rebounds with a shooting slash line of .586/.400/.796.
“(He has) clarity on how he can impact the game,” Curry said. “Defensive intensity, pressure, taking what the defense gives him on the offensive end. Whether it’s attacking driving lanes, finishing at the rim, getting transition buckets for us, and knocking down open shots. There’s just an element of aggressiveness. You don’t want him out there second-guessing anything.”
Chris Paul has also mentioned. But he has struggled at 38 years old. Plus, Paul won’t be available until at least Feb. 12 as he is still recovering from a fractured left hand.
Warriors say Moses Moody (left calf) has been cleared to practice while guard Chris Paul (wrist surgery) will be re-evaluated in two weeks. pic.twitter.com/am3hoStAlp
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) January 31, 2024
Also, the Warriors would likely have to package Paul or attach a future first-rounder to any trade just to get out from his $30 million salary this season.
As Slater pointed out, Paul does have value to the Warriors.
Paul is a team-high plus-85 on the season, and the Warriors are plus-27 with him on the floor without Curry. Those non-Curry minutes will be crucial in any and all important games down the stretch.
Plus, Kerr is not in favor of trading Paul or fellow injured guard Gary Payton II. Payton could be close to returning, as it was previously reported that he will be re-evaluated early next week.
“We’re not going to find better players than [Chris Paul & Gary Payton II] in a trade, Kerr told Willard and Dibs at 95.7 The GameI. “It’s exceedingly rare to make a deal where you can upgrade your talent to that level.”
That leaves Wiggins, Thompson, Green, Kevon Looney, and Moses Moody.
Slater has reported that the Warriors have fielded offers for Wiggins. But Wiggins is having the worst season of his career, so the Dubs are unlikely to get much back in terms of value.
Meanwhile, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said yesterday that the Warriors aren’t interested in trading Thompson or Green.
Kerr, who said it is unlikely that the Warriors will make a trade deadline, spoke to Willard and Dibs again earlier today about Looney.
ICYMI: Kerr via @WillardAndDibs pic.twitter.com/RU0uLGQVHO
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) February 1, 2024