Golden State Warriors’ Trade Deadline Dilemma: Addressing 5 Critical Weaknesses

The Golden State Warriors find themselves in a challenging season, currently sitting at the 12th spot in the Western Conference standings, raising concerns about their playoff prospects. With a record four games below .500, the Warriors are gearing up for an active trade deadline dilemma to address their glaring weaknesses and salvage the season for their star player, Steph Curry.

As the Warriors navigate through a turbulent season, key players like Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, and Draymond Green have faced challenges. Thompson and Wiggins struggle to find their rhythm, while Green’s on-court issues have hindered his playing time.

Here are the five critical weaknesses that the Golden State Warriors must tackle before or at the Trade Deadline Dilemma:

1. Figure out the Starting Lineup and Rotation: Head coach Steve Kerr has faced challenges in adjusting lineups and rotations, leading to frustration among the young core. Establishing a consistent starting five and rotation for the second half of the season is crucial for the team’s stability.
2. Give More Minutes to the Young Players: Despite the notable performance of young talents like Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Trayce Jackson-Davis, Coach Kerr’s preference for veterans raises questions. Maximizing playing time for the young players will provide valuable insights for future decisions, especially with Kuminga and Moody approaching their rookie extensions.
3. Get Klay Thompson Going by Utilizing Bench Role: Considering Klay Thompson’s challenging season, exploring his value in the trade market may be difficult. An alternative strategy is to bring Thompson off the bench, allowing him to face lesser opponents and regain confidence, potentially benefiting the team later in the season.
4. Add Size and Athleticism: With the trade deadline looming, the Warriors need to bolster their roster with size and athleticism. Potential targets include Clint Capela, Nikola Vucevic, Jalen Smith, Jarrett Allen, and Jonathan Isaac, providing options based on the team’s needs.
5. Trade for a Second Offensive Option: Recognizing the absence of a clear-cut second offensive option after Steph Curry, the Warriors must acquire a scorer at the trade deadline. With Pascal Siakam out of reach, potential targets include Lauri Markkanen, Kyle Kuzma, Jerami Grant, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Bojan Bogdanovic.

As the trade deadline dilemma approaches, the Golden State Warriors face a crucial juncture, needing strategic moves to address these weaknesses and enhance their chances for a playoff run.