Why The Trade Benefits The Warriors
This is not a popular trade idea when looking at instant reactions. Many believe that the No. 2 pick is too much to give up for Aldridge at 35 years old. He has one year left on his contract that will pay him $24 million.
The Warriors are in need of a big and James Wiseman has been tied to the team with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft. If they trade down, Deni Avdija or Onyeka Okongwu could be in the mix.
If they make this deal and move to No. 11, both players will be gone, but they would be getting back LaMarcus Aldridge. The short-term aspect of this deal is one that makes it attractive. This is a chance for the Warriors to try out Aldridge for one year and potentially make a new offer next offseason.
They are not being asked to give up anything crazy like Draymond Green in the deal. They are simply swapping picks and getting Aldridge. Yes, he is an aging forward, but he is also one that can score and has a lethal mid-range game. There is no doubt that Aldridge would fit in offensively alongside Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
