Are the Golden State Warriors content with the roster after acquiring Kristaps Porzingis from the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday?
Probably, but the seven-time NBA champions could shake things up by squeezing in another deal before the upcoming trade deadline. In a ‘last-second’ trade idea from Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey, the Warriors would land an ex-Denver Nuggets NBA champion star.
“If the Pelicans won’t give up (Trey) Murphy or Golden State can’t stomach moving lifelong Warrior Draymond (Green), Michael Porter Jr. should be another target,” Bailey wrote Thursday.
“Golden State has suggested that it doesn’t want to include Jimmy Butler’s contract in any trades, but having a $54 million salary slot on the books and giving you nothing is far from ideal for a team whose best player is 37.”
“The Warriors can’t really afford a gap year, and they can make some pretty enticing offers by attaching some draft picks to Butler’s deal.”
Bailey’s trade idea sends Butler, a 2029 first-round pick, and a 2031 first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets for Michael Porter Jr. and Terance Mann. Porter was linked to the Warriors earlier in the trade season, which didn’t come as a surprise to anyone familiar with Golden State’s offense.
While Porter no longer competes with the Nuggets, his three-point shooting remains elite. The Missouri product, known for his high release point and tremendous footwork, is averaging 25.5 points per game on 48.0% from the field and 38.9% from three-point range in 39 games with the Nets this year.
Porter’s trade value is higher than it’s ever been, but it’s difficult to picture the Dubs rushing to acquire the 27-year-old when they already made a franchise-boosting move this season.
