Introduction: The Golden State Warriors’ Pursuit of a Center

The Golden State Warriors, with their established star core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, have often focused on finding pieces that complement their unique style of play. The team has prioritized versatility, shooting, defense, and unselfish ball movement. One area where they have seen consistent trade rumors is at the center position, which remains a critical component in their title aspirations.

While the Warriors have experimented with various centers over the years—ranging from traditional bigs to more mobile, modern-day centers who can stretch the floor—the center position has often been seen as a weak spot relative to their other positions. With the team potentially looking for an upgrade at the center spot, trade rumors involving a number of players have been frequent. Here, we’ll break down four centers who have most often been linked to the Warriors in trade rumors: Jakob Poeltl, Myles Turner, Clint Capela, and John Collins.

1. Jakob Poeltl – The Defensive Anchor

Overview:

Jakob Poeltl, currently playing for the Toronto Raptors, has long been recognized as a premier defensive center, making him a logical target for a team like the Warriors, who value defense and shot-blocking in their lineup. Standing at 7 feet tall, Poeltl’s ability to guard the rim, switch onto smaller players, and provide interior presence has made him one of the more coveted centers in the league.

Strengths:

• Elite Rim Protection: Poeltl is known for his shot-blocking and ability to disrupt plays around the basket. In 2024, he posted an impressive block rate of 2.2 per 36 minutes, a stat that would undoubtedly help the Warriors, who are often in need of more rim protection.
• Rebounding: Poeltl is a strong rebounder, averaging 9.2 rebounds per game in 2024. His ability to clean up the boards on both ends of the floor would alleviate pressure from the Warriors’ forwards and help them extend possessions.
• Basketball IQ and Team Defense: Poeltl is a savvy player, often in the right place at the right time on defense. His solid understanding of team defense, including switching on pick-and-rolls and providing help defense, would mesh well with Draymond Green’s defensive genius.

Fit with the Warriors:

The Warriors have struggled at times with rebounding and interior defense, areas in which Poeltl excels. His ability to anchor the defense would free up Green to be more active as a rover, and Poeltl’s high basketball IQ would make him an ideal partner for the Warriors’ system. His rim protection would alleviate concerns about opponents attacking the basket, and his overall defensive presence would make the Warriors a more well-rounded team.

Offensively, Poeltl isn’t a high-volume scorer, but his ability to finish around the rim, set screens, and roll to the basket makes him a functional option in the Warriors’ offense. His ability to pass out of the post or kick the ball out to the open shooter would keep the ball movement flowing in Golden State’s offense.

Potential Trade Scenario:

Given Poeltl’s expiring contract and the Raptors’ potential rebuild, they might be willing to part ways with Poeltl if the right package presents itself. For the Warriors, the price may involve trading younger assets like Moses Moody or Jonathan Kuminga, alongside a future draft pick. The Warriors could also offer a package including a player like Kevon Looney, who could be a valuable piece for the Raptors’ frontcourt, depending on their needs.

2. Myles Turner – The Modern Two-Way Center

Overview:

Myles Turner, a long-time member of the Indiana Pacers, is one of the most well-rounded centers in the NBA today. At 6’11”, Turner is known for his elite shot-blocking, three-point shooting, and overall ability to space the floor. He’s frequently been the subject of trade rumors due to the Pacers’ potential need to rebuild and Turner’s ability to fit on several contenders.

Strengths:

• Rim Protection and Shot-Blocking: Turner is a premier shot-blocker, leading the league in blocks per game multiple seasons. His ability to contest shots at the rim and alter opponents’ attacks makes him an ideal defensive presence.
• Floor Spacing: Unlike traditional centers, Turner has developed a consistent three-point shot. In 2024, he shot 37% from deep on 5.1 attempts per game. This type of spacing is essential for a team like the Warriors, who thrive on floor spacing to open up their offense.
• Pick-and-Roll and Pick-and-Pop Threat: Turner can roll to the basket and finish at the rim, but his ability to step out and shoot from the perimeter makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He would be an ideal complement to Curry, who can run pick-and-rolls with him or dish out to Turner for an open three.

Fit with the Warriors:

Turner would immediately bolster the Warriors’ defense. His shot-blocking would be a huge upgrade over their current center options, while his ability to space the floor with three-point shooting would be a perfect fit in their offense. Turner’s versatility also allows him to guard both big men in the post and stretch forwards on the perimeter, which is essential for the Warriors’ defensive switching scheme.

On offense, Turner would be an ideal fit next to Draymond Green, who can serve as the playmaker while Turner provides the scoring punch, whether it’s rolling to the basket or stretching the floor. His ability to stretch the defense while playing strong interior defense could unlock even more dynamic lineups for the Warriors.

Potential Trade Scenario:

The Pacers would likely seek a significant return for Turner, considering his age (28) and skill set. A trade involving a combination of young players (such as Moses Moody or Kuminga) and a future draft pick would make sense for both sides. The Warriors might also have to consider moving salary (e.g., a player like Andrew Wiggins) to make the deal work under the salary cap.

3. Clint Capela – The Glass Cleaner

Overview:

Clint Capela, the long-time Atlanta Hawks center, is one of the best pure rebounders and shot-blockers in the NBA. Known for his elite ability to grab rebounds and protect the rim, Capela could provide exactly what the Warriors need in terms of rebounding and rim protection.

Strengths:

• Rebounding and Interior Defense: Capela is one of the league’s best rebounders, consistently ranking among the leaders in rebounds per game. His ability to dominate the boards on both ends would alleviate the Warriors’ struggles on the glass.
• Rim Protection: While not as renowned for shot-blocking as some others, Capela is an outstanding rim protector who deters shots in the paint and can clean up missed shots defensively.
• Roll Man in the Pick-and-Roll: Capela excels in the pick-and-roll, making him a viable option in Golden State’s offensive scheme. His lob-catching ability and finishing around the rim would create additional space for Curry and Thompson.

Fit with the Warriors:

While Capela lacks the three-point shooting that some other centers bring to the table, his rebounding and rim protection would make an immediate impact on a Warriors team that has often struggled with those aspects. His ability to gobble up offensive rebounds and create second-chance opportunities would be a valuable asset next to Curry and Thompson, who tend to miss long-range shots that result in long rebounds.

The pick-and-roll game with Capela would provide another dimension to the Warriors’ offense, giving them a strong lob threat in addition to their typical three-point barrage. Capela’s physicality and paint presence would also add some toughness to the Warriors’ defense, which is something they’ve been missing at times.

Potential Trade Scenario:

The Hawks are likely to entertain trade offers for Capela if they are looking to pivot to a different direction with their roster. The Warriors could offer a package involving a young player or future draft picks, possibly including a player like Gary Payton II to balance salaries. A move for Capela could be an easier deal to execute, considering his contract status, though the Warriors may have to give up a bit more to secure him.

4. John Collins – The Versatile Big

Overview:

John Collins, another player currently with the Atlanta Hawks, has been rumored to be on the trade block for several seasons. While not a traditional center, Collins is a versatile forward who has the size and athleticism to play center in small-ball lineups. His scoring ability and rebounding make him an intriguing option for the Warriors.

Strengths:

• Athleticism and Mobility: Collins is a very athletic big man, capable of guarding multiple positions on the floor. His quickness and jumping ability make him a strong lob threat and a force on the glass.
• Rebounding: Collins is a solid rebounder, particularly on the offensive glass, where he can create extra possessions for his team.
• Scoring and Versatility: While Collins doesn’t have the same elite rim protection as other centers, his scoring ability, both inside and from mid-range, gives him a level of versatility that most centers lack. His ability to stretch the floor is valuable for a team like the Warriors, who prioritize shooting.

Fit with the Warriors:

Collins would bring a different dynamic to the Warriors, offering them another versatile player who could fit in several lineups. His ability to play small-ball center would provide the Warriors with more flexibility in certain matchups. Although Collins doesn’t provide elite rim protection, his offensive and rebounding skills would help balance the Warriors’ frontcourt and add another layer to their scoring potential.

Potential Trade Scenario:

The Hawks are likely to move Collins in exchange for assets that better fit their timeline and needs. The Warriors might be able to acquire Collins for a package involving players like Moses Moody, and a future draft pick, depending on what Atlanta is looking for.