The Golden State Warriors, like many clubs at this time of year, are evaluating all trade possibilities, but there is still a good chance that the team will continue with its existing lineup and only make slight adjustments to the roster’s perimeter.
But if Mike Dunleavy Jr., the new general manager, wants to make a big impression in his first few weeks on the job, the ideal win-now trade target might be about to become available.
If Paul George were to become available to the Golden State Warriors this offseason, he would be the ideal win-now trade target for them.
With one prominent player now off the market with Bradley Beal’s Sunday trade to the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George is the newest All-Star whose future is being discussed.
After four unsuccessful and injury-riddled seasons playing with Kawhi Leonard, Marc Stein (requires subscription) reports that the Clippers may be open to the possibility of George leaving the organization.
According to Stein, “The LA Clippers have given the impression to a number of rival teams through their Draft Week conversation that they are, at the very least, trying to determine Paul George’s trade value and, to hear some describe it, giving real consideration to the idea of disassembling the Kawhi Leonard/George tandem.”
There would be no better win-now target for the Warriors to take into consideration if the eight-time All-Star became available in trade discussions. At his best, he’s one of the best two-way forwards in the league, a player of the highest caliber who also perfectly fits Golden State’s requirements.
However, throughout the previous four seasons, the 33-year-old has only participated in 56 or fewer games. He is an unquestionable risk for any team due to his injury history, and it is challenging to estimate his potential trade worth throughout the league.
By trading Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, Jordan Poole, and a large amount of future draft picks, the Warriors may go “all-in.” A top six that included Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, George, Draymond Green, and Kevon Looney would have to be enticing for Joe Lacob and the ownership group even if it would increase their salary and luxury tax even more.
Would that deal be approved by the Clippers? Maybe not, considering that they still want to be in the running while Leonard is still employed by the franchise. If so, would both teams be open to a straightforward Thompson-for-George trade with a few small assets thrown in either way?
In any case, Golden State would be remiss if they didn’t at least try to contact the Clippers and see what it would take to bring another All-Star to the Bay Area if George is at all tradeable this offseason.
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