The Golden State Warriors have remained in the hunt for a playoff spot in the loaded Western Conference. With Steph Curry playing at a high-level and not receiving much help, the Dubs will certainly be a team to watch in NBA trade rumors as the deadline approaches.
A former league executive took the time to talk with NBA Analysis Network about what the Warriors need to do at the NBA trade deadline. He made it clear that shooting has to be a priority.
“Steph Curry is a unique player and the Warriors can’t let his prime basketball years go to waste. They can’t be missing the playoffs even without Klay Thompson healthy. They desperately need more shooting on the wing, Andrew Wiggins and Kelly Oubre Jr. are not going to cut it.”
The former executive made it clear that it would not be easy to trade either Andrew Wiggins or Kelly Oubre Jr. A few options like Justin Holiday and Saddiq Bey could be intriguing for the Warriors.
“There likely isn’t a lot of trade value right now for either Wiggins or Oubre Jr. so that makes it tougher on the Warriors to get a great deal done. They aren’t going to be able to make a big swing for a guy like Bradley Beal until there’s more clarity about that Timberwolves pick.
“One team to consider if the Pacers. They are out of the playoff picture and are entering a tough stretch. Justin Holiday probably would be better since he can hit three’s off-the-move at a high-clip, is a better defender than McDermott, and is signed to a favorable contract. Saddiq Bey is another player who could fit this mold but he doesn’t have as much NBA experience.”
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When looking at the numbers, it’s clear the Warriors are sorely in need of finding better wing options. They rank 26th in spot-up efficiency with Kelly Oubre Jr. (33rd percentile) and Andrew Wiggins (18th) each being the team’s two most frequent options in this play type.
Justin Holiday has been one of the more efficient offensive players in the NBA this season in his complementary role with the Pacers. He’s not only an elite spot-up threat, but he can also operate off-the-move in handoffs and coming off screens. Saddiq Bey has been quite impressive as a shooter as well.
