The Golden State Warriors have been enduring a frustrating 2024-25 NBA season. A 114-98 loss to the Miami Heat on Tuesday night, a game in which Jimmy Butler was absent, provided yet another sobering reminder of the team’s struggles. The Warriors have been a championship contender for the better part of the last decade, but their current 18-18 record leaves them in the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference. This game against the Heat underlined a persistent issue that has plagued the Warriors throughout the season—an inability to match up against teams with dominant center play.
Despite a stellar performance from four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry, who poured in 31 points and connected on eight three-pointers, the Warriors were no match for the Miami Heat, especially without their star player, Jimmy Butler. Miami’s Bam Adebayo, who has been known more for his defensive prowess than for his scoring, took full advantage of the Warriors’ lack of size. Adebayo posted 19 points, nine rebounds, and five assists while shooting an efficient 64.2% from the floor, underscoring the Warriors’ ongoing struggles against elite big men.
For Golden State, this game highlighted a long-standing issue: they simply do not have the size or depth in the frontcourt to compete against teams with elite center talent. The Warriors have thrived with a small-ball lineup built around their shooters and versatility, but they have often struggled against teams with physical, imposing centers like Adebayo. This lack of frontcourt presence has been exposed repeatedly throughout the season, and the Warriors’ lack of answers has led to speculation that significant changes could be on the horizon.
The frontcourt has been an area of concern for the Warriors for a while, and according to recent reports, Golden State’s general manager Mike Dunleavy is actively exploring trade options to address this gap. It’s rumored that Dunleavy is in talks with the front offices of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Charlotte Hornets, and Washington Wizards to potentially move on from two key veterans—three-time NBA champion Kevon Looney and elite defensive guard Gary Payton II. In exchange, the Warriors would look to acquire frontcourt help, with two key names reportedly on their radar: Jonas Valančiūnas from Washington and Nick Richards from Charlotte.
Looney has been a steady presence for the Warriors, known for his rebounding and hustle, but his lack of scoring and inability to match up with more athletic or dominant centers like Adebayo has become more evident as the season has progressed. Payton, one of the best defensive guards in the league, has contributed to the Warriors’ defensive schemes, but his size and skillset are not enough to mitigate the team’s issues in the frontcourt. Moving on from these two veterans may be a necessary step for Golden State to improve their roster, especially if they want to compete for another championship.
Richards and Valančiūnas present two different options for the Warriors, each with their own advantages. Valančiūnas, the 32-year-old center from the Washington Wizards, has been a consistent presence in the paint throughout his career. In his 13th season, Valančiūnas is averaging 11.9 points and 7.9 rebounds in just 20 minutes per game, providing solid production in limited minutes. Known for his size and rebounding ability, Valančiūnas also has an efficient offensive game, capable of scoring both inside and stretching the floor with a respectable mid-range jumper. The Warriors had reportedly expressed interest in signing him over the summer, but now, as the trade deadline approaches, Valančiūnas could be available on the market for a team willing to make a deal.
Richards, on the other hand, is a younger option, only 27 years old, and is currently playing for the Charlotte Hornets. While he doesn’t have the offensive versatility of Valančiūnas, Richards has been impressive on the defensive end, contributing 9.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and a career-high 1.3 blocked shots per game. His shot-blocking ability and size (he stands at 7 feet tall) make him an intriguing option for the Warriors, especially if they want to add a rim protector to their frontcourt without compromising too much offensively.
The trade proposal being discussed would involve Golden State sending Looney to the Hornets and Payton to the Thunder. In this scenario, the Warriors would be shedding two important pieces of their roster but would receive the frontcourt help they desperately need. Oklahoma City’s No. 1 defense would benefit from adding Payton, who is known for his disruptive defensive play and ability to guard opposing teams’ best players. This would help the Thunder’s young roster in their quest to make a deeper playoff push.
Meanwhile, Washington and Charlotte would play the role of facilitators, absorbing Looney and Payton’s contracts and receiving draft capital in return. Both teams are in rebuilding phases and would likely be more interested in accumulating future assets than competing for a title in the immediate future. Looney’s toughness and rebounding would be a nice fit for a young team like Charlotte, while Payton’s defensive prowess could bolster Oklahoma City’s defensive unit, which is already among the best in the league.
For the Warriors, this trade would help address a glaring need in the frontcourt. Adding Valančiūnas would give them a legitimate center who can score inside, grab rebounds, and provide a physical presence in the paint. On the other hand, Richards would offer them a younger, more athletic option who can contribute defensively and offer shot-blocking ability. Either addition would be a step in the right direction for the Warriors, as they try to stabilize their lineup and get back on track after a difficult stretch of games.
The Warriors’ struggles this season have been a source of frustration, especially considering their early success. After a strong 12-3 start, Golden State has been plagued by inconsistency, and their issues with size and rebounding have been a constant theme. The trade rumors surrounding Looney and Payton show that the front office is actively working to improve the team and build around their core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson. However, making a move at this point of the season is not without risk. The Warriors will have to balance the short-term need to address their frontcourt with their long-term strategy of maintaining financial flexibility and keeping their championship window open.
In conclusion, the Golden State Warriors are at a crossroads this season, and their struggles with size and rebounding are at the forefront of their challenges. A proposed trade involving the departure of Kevon Looney and Gary Payton II in exchange for frontcourt help in the form of Jonas Valančiūnas and Nick Richards could provide the Warriors with the physical presence they desperately need to compete with the league’s best. However, the Warriors will have to carefully consider the financial implications and long-term impact of such a trade as they continue to chase another championship with their core trio of Curry, Green, and Thompson. The trade deadline approaches, and with it, the chance for Golden State to make a move that could change the trajectory of their season.
