The Golden State Warriors must consider all their options when it comes to retooling their roster this offseason — even if that means trading picks and young players for, or to create space for, non-superstar talent.
Acquiring a superstar such as Kevin Durant might be ideal for Golden State, but this season’s playoffs should convince Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. to also consider adding high-level role players.
The New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks transformed from middle-of-the-pack teams into championship contenders this season through trades that netted them OG Anunoby (Knicks), P.J. Washington (Dallas) and Daniel Gafford (Dallas).
None of these players are superstars or even All-Star talents, but they helped change the course of their teams’ seasons. The Knicks went 20-3 with Anunoby in the lineup this regular season. Dallas was 28-23 prior to the trade deadline and is now on the brink of its first NBA Finals appearance since 2011 after adding Washington and Gafford.
Even though the deal happened in 2022, the Boston Celtics trading for a role player Derrick White has also changed the trajectory of their franchise.
The value of a having these “glue guys” is evident. So, rather than punting on the offseason and standing pat if a deal for a superstar falls through, Dunleavy Jr. must be open to trading assets or clearing out cap space for high-level role players who can maximize Stephen Curry while he’s in his late prime.
Here are “glue guys” the Warriors should target:
Nic Claxton and Mikal Bridges
Given Brooklyn Nets majority owner Joe Tsai’s signaling of a potential rebuild this offseason, the Warriors should target Claxton (11.8 PPG and 9.9 RPG) and Bridges (19.6 PPG) or both.
Claxton would be an excellent fit for Golden State, as his versatility as a rim runner, lob threat and rim protector fills holes for the Warriors.