After losing two of its most important players, Chris Paul and Klay Thompson, the Golden State Warriors find themselves in a pivotal situation. With the signing of a three-year, $50 million contract, Klay Thompson has concluded his distinguished tenure with the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors’ squad is significantly weaker without him in terms of experienced leadership and scoring. Chris Paul, who was signed by the Spurs after being dismissed by the Warriors and obtained in a trade for Jordan Poole, Ryan Rollins, and future draft selections, will also not be with the team going forward.
In response to these huge losses, the Warriors have been actively investigating a number of solutions. They are seriously discussing a sign-and-trade with the Philadelphia 76ers for Buddy Hield in order to add his scoring ability and three-point shooting to cover the hole left by Klay Thompson. The Warriors have already made moves by adding Kyle Anderson, a forward with playmaking ability and defensive versatility, and De’Anthony Melton, a versatile guard recognized for his defensive abilities, in addition to these negotiations.
Despite their value, these additions are insufficient to return the Warriors to the top of the very contested Western Conference. The Warriors want another player of the highest level who can offer reliable scoring, leadership, and experience if they are to actually contend for a playoff place and go far in the postseason. In order for the Warriors to be competitive in the following season, what they do now will be critical.
With the Utah Jazz, Lauri Markkanen enjoyed an outstanding season that cemented his status as a creative and effective scorer. Markkanen averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game in the NBA in 2023–2024. He shot 48.0% from the field, 39.9% from beyond the arc, and 89.9% from the free-throw line to show off his scoring skills. The Golden State Warriors are drawn to him because of his ability to score effectively from all three levels of the game.
According to reports, the Utah Jazz are willing to trade Markkanen if the proper deal comes along, especially because they want to rebuild their squad with a younger core. A guy like Markkanen is someone the Warriors have expressed interest in signing to fill the scoring hole created by Klay Thompson’s exit and to give their frontcourt additional depth and variety.
Markkanen would be a great addition to the Warriors, giving them a much-needed increase in floor spacing and scoring. In addition to enhancing Stephen Curry’s game, his three-point shooting proficiency would help the Warriors defend better because to his stature and length. Markkanen would provide the Warriors lineup versatility by playing both forward positions, which would enable them to adjust to various matchups and tactics.
Andrew Wiggins, who finished the season averaging 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, is a part of the proposed trade deal. Even with his inconsistent play, Wiggins is still a useful player that the Jazz can use right away. The Jazz are getting a combination of present skill and future potential in addition to Wiggins with the addition of future draft assets including a 2026 first-round selection, 2027 exchange rights, and a 2028 first-round pick.
An further encouraging aspect of this move is Markkanen’s contract situation. The Warriors have some roster stability because he has two more seasons left on his deal. Given that Markkanen can play off the ball and flourish in a motion offense, which fits nicely with Golden State’s style of play, it would be imperative to incorporate him into the Warriors’ scheme.
For the New Orleans Pelicans, Brandon Ingram has been a successful player because of his flexibility as a scorer and ability to create plays. Ingram averaged 20.8 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game in the 2023–24 NBA season. His shooting percentages of 49.2% from the field, 35.5% from three-point range, and 80.1% from the free-throw line were indicative of his efficiency. His ability to contribute offensively is demonstrated by these stats, which makes him a desirable trade target for clubs trying to expand their scoring alternatives.
In November 2020, Ingram signed a five-year, $158 million contract with the Pelicans, with which he is now under contract. He will remain with New Orleans until the 2024–25 season under this deal; beyond that, he will be free to sign with any team. In spite of his strong play, there have been ongoing stories and speculations indicating that the Pelicans are thinking about moving him. Instead of committing to a long-term agreement with Ingram, the organization is allegedly aiming to emphasize younger players like Trey Murphy III, who is eligible for a rookie-scale extension.
The Warriors believed that adding Ingram would provide them a much-needed boost in playmaking and scoring. His effectiveness from beyond the arc and ability to construct his own shots would enhance Stephen Curry’s game by providing an additional offensive threat. The Warriors would also be able to deploy Ingram in a variety of lineup configurations because to his versatility as a forward, which would increase their strategic adaptability.
Andrew Wiggins, who finished the previous season with averages of 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, is a part of the proposed trade deal. With Wiggins gone and Moses Moody and a 2026 first-round pick added, the Pelicans would have a combination of young skill and long-term promise. In addition to helping the Warriors meet their immediate demands, this move would position them for long-term success in the very competitive Western Conference.
The Washington Wizards’ versatile forward Kyle Kuzma averaged 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game in 2023–24. Due to his success, he has gained value as a trade asset and is being pursued by a number of clubs that want to improve the depth and scoring alternatives on their squad.
Kuzma was recently in the heart of talks of a trade with the Dallas Mavericks. Kuzma chose to remain with the Wizards despite Dallas making a sizable offer that included two first-round selections and other assets. His want to stay involved in Washington and his optimism about the team’s future played a part in his choice.
Because Kuzma’s current contract, a four-year, $90 million agreement, decreases over time, clubs worried about long-term salary cap flexibility may find him to be a financially appealing alternative. His attractiveness is increased by this deal arrangement, especially for clubs like the Warriors who want to acquire major talent while controlling their salary cap.
In the proposed deal, Andrew Wiggins, Moses Moody, and a 2027 first-round selection would be given to the Warriors in exchange for Kuzma. Wiggins would give the Wizards a seasoned wing player who is ready to play right away. In addition to the prospective first-round selection, Moody is a bright young player who helps the Wizards in their rebuilding efforts.
Kuzma would be a great addition to the Warriors’ lineup because of his versatility as a scorer and his strong defensive skills. The Warriors would have more strategic choices on both sides of the floor because to his flexibility, which would allow them to use him in a variety of ways. The Warriors would fill the scoring hole created by previous departures and bolster their chances of making a long postseason run with Kuzma.
