Golden State Warriors Have Trade Interest in Former Vanderbilt Star
The NBA is a constant whirlwind of speculation, rumors, and potential moves, and as we approach the trade deadline, teams are constantly looking to improve their rosters in pursuit of a championship. One team that has consistently been in the mix for major moves over the years is the Golden State Warriors. With their championship pedigree and an aging core, the Warriors are always looking for ways to improve and build a roster that can contend for future titles. Recently, a name that has surfaced in trade rumors for the Warriors is former Vanderbilt star Aaron Nesmith.
Nesmith, a versatile and athletic wing player, has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his NBA career, though he’s still in the early stages of his development. The Warriors have long been known for their ability to spot young talent with immense potential, and Nesmith certainly fits the mold of a player who could thrive in Golden State’s system. But what would it take for the Warriors to land Nesmith, and how would he fit into their championship-contending roster?
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why the Golden State Warriors would be interested in acquiring Aaron Nesmith, how his skill set could complement their existing roster, and what the potential trade package might look like. Let’s dive into how the former Vanderbilt standout could fit into the Warriors’ long-term plans and what it could mean for the team’s future.
Aaron Nesmith’s Background and Potential
Before we delve into the Warriors’ interest in Nesmith, it’s important to understand the type of player he is and why he has piqued the Warriors’ interest. Aaron Nesmith was selected by the Boston Celtics with the 14th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, a selection that was considered a bit of a steal at the time. The former Vanderbilt standout had a standout sophomore year in college, where he averaged 23 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, showing incredible shooting ability and athleticism. He shot 52.2% from the field and an impressive 52.2% from three during his college season, which caught the attention of NBA scouts.
At 6’5″ with a 6’9″ wingspan, Nesmith possesses the size and length to be a versatile defender. His quickness and athleticism also make him a solid player on the offensive end, where he can be a catch-and-shoot player but also has the potential to develop a more dynamic offensive game. His ability to stretch the floor and provide outside shooting is an asset for any team looking for spacing, especially a team like the Warriors that thrives on high-powered, three-point shooting.
However, Nesmith’s early NBA career has been marked by inconsistency, and he has had trouble finding a regular role with the Celtics. After playing limited minutes in his rookie season, he showed flashes of what he could bring but has been inconsistent in his ability to stay on the floor and contribute on a regular basis. Despite the inconsistencies, the Warriors have shown interest in acquiring him, recognizing his potential to contribute as a role player in their high-tempo, three-point-focused system.
Why the Warriors Are Interested in Aaron Nesmith
As one of the most successful franchises in recent NBA history, the Warriors are always looking for ways to improve their roster and maintain their championship window. While their current core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green remains among the best in the league, the Warriors have seen the importance of building depth and adding new pieces around their star trio. With Curry and Thompson aging and coming off significant injuries, the Warriors are looking for youthful contributors who can develop into long-term assets while also contributing in the short term.
Here are some key reasons why the Warriors would be interested in trading for Aaron Nesmith:
- Shooting Ability: One of the key reasons the Warriors have been so successful in recent years is their ability to shoot the basketball at an elite level. With Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Jordan Poole on the roster, the Warriors are already one of the most potent three-point shooting teams in the league. However, they have often struggled to find consistent shooting from their role players. Nesmith’s ability to shoot from deep and space the floor could provide valuable shooting depth, which is an area where the Warriors could use improvement.
- Versatility: The Warriors thrive on positional flexibility and the ability to switch on defense. Aaron Nesmith’s length, quickness, and athleticism make him a capable defender who can guard multiple positions. The Warriors could look to use him as a versatile defender who can help defend against opposing wings and forwards. His ability to switch across the floor and defend in multiple positions would be invaluable in the Warriors’ defense-heavy system. While his offense is still developing, Nesmith’s defensive potential could be a key asset for Golden State.
- Youth and Development: As the Warriors’ core ages, the team is looking for young players to develop into contributors for the future. At just 23 years old, Nesmith fits that profile, offering long-term potential as a reliable rotation player. The Warriors have had success developing young players, particularly those who fit into their system of spacing, shooting, and ball movement. If Nesmith can continue to improve his shooting and overall offensive game, he could be a key piece of the Warriors’ future. His potential to grow into a starting-caliber wing would provide the team with a long-term asset to complement their aging stars.
- Depth on the Wing: The Warriors are currently looking for more depth on the wing, as players like Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson are their primary wing options. While Wiggins is an excellent two-way player, and Thompson remains one of the best shooters in the league, both are dealing with injury concerns and inconsistent performances. Adding a player like Nesmith, who can come in and provide valuable minutes on the wing, would give the Warriors more depth and allow them to rest their key players more efficiently during the regular season.
- Cost-Effective Option: With the Warriors already committed to high salaries for their star players, acquiring a cost-effective player like Nesmith could make sense financially. Nesmith is still on his rookie contract, making him an affordable option for Golden State. His contract situation would allow the Warriors to make a trade without adding much financial burden, which could help them avoid exceeding the salary cap or luxury tax penalties.
What the Warriors Could Offer in a Trade for Nesmith
While the Warriors’ interest in Nesmith is clear, what would it take to acquire him from the Celtics? Golden State has several young assets that could appeal to the Celtics in a potential trade.
- Moses Moody: One player the Warriors could offer is Moses Moody, a former 14th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Moody has shown promise as a two-way player, capable of contributing as both a shooter and a defender. While he’s still developing, Moody has the potential to be a solid rotation player for the Celtics and could complement their needs on the wing. If the Warriors include Moody in the deal, it would give Boston a young asset to develop further, especially as they look to continue their pursuit of championships in the future.
- James Wiseman: Another player the Warriors could offer is James Wiseman, the second overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Wiseman has shown flashes of his potential as a center, but his development has been stunted due to injuries and a lack of playing time. The Celtics might be intrigued by the prospect of developing Wiseman into a future center alongside Robert Williams III. If Wiseman reaches his potential, he could be an impactful player in Boston’s frontcourt for years to come.
- Gary Payton II: Another piece that could be included in a trade for Nesmith is Gary Payton II, a defensive specialist who has been instrumental in the Warriors’ success, particularly in the postseason. Payton’s defense, basketball IQ, and ability to guard multiple positions would make him a valuable asset for the Celtics, especially as they look to improve their defensive rotation.
- Future Draft Picks: The Warriors also have the ability to offer future draft picks in a potential deal for Nesmith. Given that the Warriors are competing for championships now, they may be willing to trade future picks in exchange for a player who can help them win today. The Celtics, in turn, could use these picks to continue building their roster around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Conclusion: What Does This Trade Mean for the Warriors?
If the Warriors were to acquire Aaron Nesmith, they would add another versatile, young asset to their roster. His ability to shoot, defend, and contribute in various roles would make him a valuable piece in Golden State’s championship-contending team. While he may not immediately step into a starting role, Nesmith could develop into a reliable contributor off the bench, providing scoring, defense, and depth at the wing position.
In the broader context of the Warriors’ championship aspirations, a move like this could prove to be an intelligent long-term investment in building a more sustainable future while also bolstering their present title hopes. The Warriors know that with Curry, Thompson, and Green’s careers winding down, they need to build around these stars to ensure they stay competitive for years to come.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Warriors will continue to weigh all options available to them. Adding Nesmith may not be the headline-grabbing move, but it could be the piece that solidifies their depth and gives them another shot at an NBA championship in the coming seasons. With their keen eye for talent and development, this could be another win for the Golden State Warriors as they look to maintain their dynasty.
