Andrew Wiggins seems to be the Warriors’ primary asset for trade, but finalizing a deal poses a significant challenge

If you haven’t attended a Warriors game recently, it’s easy to overlook the pregame spectacle that accompanies Stephen Curry’s warmup routine. His playful drills with longtime Golden State assistant Bruce Fraser attract fans of all ages, showcasing Curry’s remarkable skills and reminding us of his ability to explode for 60 points on any given night. However, despite Curry’s brilliance, the Warriors’ recent overtime loss to Atlanta and Klay Thompson’s absence from the closing lineup against Brooklyn highlight the team’s reliance on Curry and the limitations of their supporting cast.

In essence, Curry’s individual brilliance can only take the Warriors so far without a competitive roster around him. Recognizing this, Golden State’s front office entered the trade market in December with ambitious plans. While the team explored acquiring Pascal Siakam from Toronto, concerns about fit and Siakam’s impending free agency ultimately deterred any potential deal.

Moreover, the scarcity of players of Siakam’s caliber available for trade has limited Golden State’s options. Even Dejounte Murray, another highly sought-after player, doesn’t align with the Warriors’ needs, particularly given Chris Paul’s impact in supporting Curry during his bench minutes. Despite Paul’s injury, he is unlikely to be traded.

Andrew Wiggins emerges as a key figure in the Warriors’ roster. As the second option to Curry on a championship team, Wiggins showed promise before a foot injury sidelined him. His versatility as a trade asset adds intrigue to Golden State’s decision-making ahead of the deadline. Meanwhile, the emergence of Jonathan Kuminga as a consistent scorer provides optimism for the team’s internal improvement in the competitive Western Conference.

It appears increasingly likely that the Golden State Warriors will pursue smaller adjustments rather than major overhauls to their championship core from 2022. While Klay Thompson’s reduced role in critical minutes is concerning, veteran center Kevon Looney has also experienced a significant decline in his involvement with the team. With Looney’s $7.5 million salary, the Warriors have options to explore in the trade market, whether they prioritize shooting, defensive wing depth, or other needs. It’s worth noting that only $3 million of Looney’s deal is guaranteed for the 2024-25 season.

However, Andrew Wiggins has been the subject of significant trade rumors across the league. Sources indicate that he is a player of interest for the Dallas Mavericks and Milwaukee Bucks. For Milwaukee to match Wiggins’ $24.3 million salary, they would likely need to include forward Bobby Portis in any potential deal, although the Bucks are hesitant to part ways with Portis given his contributions and championship experience. The Mavericks, on the other hand, are exploring trade options involving Grant Williams or Tim Hardaway Jr., along with their 2027 first-round pick, to acquire frontcourt players with shooting ability and defensive prowess.

Regarding Kyle Kuzma, it appears unlikely that Dallas or Sacramento will meet the Washington Wizards’ asking price of multiple first-round picks. While Dallas may explore ways to acquire another first-round selection, the Wizards seem content to retain Kuzma, prioritizing draft capital in potential trade scenarios.

The Mavericks have identified other potential targets, including Jerami Grant, who remains off the trade block for now. Portland is reluctant to part with Grant and guard Malcolm Brodgon unless presented with an enticing offer. PJ Washington and Isaiah Stewart are also on Dallas’ radar, while the Magic are not actively looking to trade Wendell Carter.

Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks are actively seeking defensive upgrades, particularly on the perimeter. Dorian Finney-Smith has emerged as a target, given his salary and defensive prowess, although the Bucks lack the draft capital that other teams, such as Brooklyn, are seeking. Milwaukee has explored including Marjon Beauchamp and draft picks in trade discussions to acquire additional first-round selections.

Several teams, including the Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers, are exploring trade options with New Orleans and Oklahoma City, aiming to acquire future first-round picks through pick swaps or packages of second-round picks. This strategy mirrors the approach taken by Phoenix, which traded future first-round swaps for second-round picks before the season began. Now, multiple teams are looking to leverage these assets for more substantial returns.

In light of Joel Embiid’s recent knee surgery, the Philadelphia 76ers are actively seeking to enhance their future draft capital by engaging in trade discussions to acquire more imminent first-round picks. Despite possessing three first-round picks obtained in the James Harden trade, the Sixers’ earliest available pick for trade is not until 2026. Consequently, while they have significant draft ammunition, the Sixers are prioritizing acquiring players who can make an immediate impact while preserving future flexibility.

Among the targets identified by the Sixers is Buddy Hield, the Indiana Pacers guard. Hield’s $18.5 million salary aligns well with the Sixers’ expiring contracts, and his impending free agency would not burden Philadelphia’s cap space for the upcoming offseason. However, the Sixers have conveyed a reluctance to take on long-term salary commitments, signaling a desire to maintain financial flexibility.

Another player of interest for the Sixers is Bojan Bogdanović of the Detroit Pistons. Bogdanović is earning $20 million this season, with only $2 million guaranteed for the following season. While Detroit has expressed interest in reuniting with Tobias Harris in a potential trade, Philadelphia appears hesitant to part ways with Harris in any deal involving Bogdanović. However, Detroit has not indicated a willingness to trade Bogdanović, although veteran shooters Mike Muscala and Danilo Gallinari could be available for trade.

Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics, currently at the top of the Eastern Conference, are exploring options to bolster their bench depth. With limited resources, the Celtics are primarily looking to utilize their $6.25 million traded-player exception to add veteran talent. Otto Porter Jr. is among the targets being considered by Boston, offering versatility and experience off the bench. Additionally, the Celtics have expressed interest in Lonnie Walker of the Brooklyn Nets, who has attracted attention from playoff contenders due to his strong play on a minimum contract.

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KEY POINTS:

• Philadelphia 76ers seek to bolster future draft capital amid Joel Embiid’s injury.
• Sixers exploring trade discussions to acquire more imminent first-round picks.
• Priority on acquiring players who can make an immediate impact while maintaining future flexibility.
• Targeting Indiana Pacers guard Buddy Hield and Detroit Pistons guard Bojan Bogdanović.
• Boston Celtics aiming to strengthen bench depth using traded-player exception.
• Considering veteran options such as Otto Porter Jr. and Lonnie Walker of the Brooklyn Nets.