Why This Trade Works for the Golden State Warriors

The fit between Russell Westbrook and James Harden wasn’t the cleanest but there were plenty of stretches when it looked highly impressive. Regardless, neither player wants to remain with the organization but potential trade suitors for Westbrook have been tough to find.

There obviously are limitations to the skill-set that Westbrook brings to the table— starting with perimeter shooting. However, his ability to get into the paint with his explosive athleticism is an intriguing intangible that would help the Warriors’ offense with Klay Thompson sidelined.

Unlike James Harden, Stephen Curry thrives playing off-ball and if there’s a star backcourt partner that would work with Westbrook, it would be him for that reason. Both Curry and Westbrook are dynamic in their own way and the combination would be more intriguing to test than having Andrew Wiggins.

Let’s not forget, Wiggins is a better shooter than Westbrook but doesn’t thrive as an off-ball threat either. Westbrook makes a substantially greater impact when it comes to creating shots for teammates and has extensive experience playing without great floor spacing pieces around him.

The Warriors would be able to stagger the playing time for both Curry and Westbrook to have a high-powered lead-guard on the court for a full 48 minutes. Westbrook would also be able to keep the team afloat in the event Curry were to go down with an injury again.