The Golden State Warriors are stuck in neutral, boasting a mediocre 19-19 record and facing the prospect of a third Play-In appearance in five seasons. The team’s front office has been eerily quiet, failing to bring in a co-star for Stephen Curry despite an extensive search during the summer.
With the Warriors reportedly uninterested in the Jimmy Butler sweepstakes, they must explore alternative options to bolster their roster. One glaring hole is the center position, where they alternate between starting Trayce Jackson-Davis and Kevon Looney. Neither player seems like an immediate solution, and the Warriors need to prioritize acquiring a better center to provide another dimension to their offense.
A potential solution lies in acquiring a stretch-five, a center who can shoot from beyond the arc and create space on the court. Three options stand out: Nikola Vucevic, Myles Turner, and John Collins.
Nikola Vucevic, currently with the Chicago Bulls, is having a resurgent season, averaging 20.3 points and 10.2 rebounds. His improved three-point shooting, coupled with his post-offense skills, would make him an excellent fit for the Warriors. A potential trade package could include Gary Payton II, Lindy Waters III, Kevon Looney, and two second-round picks.
Myles Turner, meanwhile, is having another solid season with the Indiana Pacers, averaging 15.0 points and 7.0 rebounds. His unique combination of rim protection and three-point shooting would thrive in the Warriors’ motion offense. Acquiring Turner would likely require a more substantial package, including a first-round pick.
Lastly, John Collins, currently with the Utah Jazz, is averaging 17.9 points and 8.3 rebounds. His contract, while expensive, has two years remaining and is more palatable given the NBA’s rising cap. Collins’ versatility as a multi-positional forward and small-ball center, coupled with his three-point shooting, would make him an excellent addition to the Warriors.
Each of these options would address the Warriors’ need for a center and provide a new dimension to their offense. While the trade packages may seem steep, the Warriors must prioritize winning now, especially given Curry’s advancing age. By acquiring a stretch-five, the Warriors can regain their competitive edge and make a deep playoff run.
Leave a Reply