The Desperation Golden State Warriors Trade That Would Actually Work

The Golden State Warriors have spent the past decade rewriting the NBA history books, winning multiple championships and establishing themselves as one of the most dominant franchises in the league. With Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green leading the charge, they created a dynasty that struck fear into opponents across the league. However, after a series of injury-plagued seasons and some roster changes, the Warriors are facing a crossroads. While the core three is still incredibly talented, they are not getting any younger, and the team’s title window may be closing.

In this article, we will explore a hypothetical trade that could address some of the Warriors’ most pressing needs: maintaining championship contention in the short term, refreshing the roster, and planning for the future. We’ll also take a closer look at what kind of trade would be considered “desperate,” and how this scenario could make sense from both the Warriors’ and their trade partner’s perspective.

Current State of the Golden State Warriors

The Warriors are in an interesting position. As of the 2023-2024 season, they remain competitive but not at the same level as their dominant championship teams. With Curry still playing at an MVP level and Thompson and Green still capable of high-level contributions, they can still compete in the Western Conference. But the supporting cast has become a bit of a patchwork.

Andrew Wiggins is a solid player, but his consistency is often called into question. Jordan Poole, once viewed as a promising young piece, has had ups and downs, and his trade value fluctuates. Kevon Looney and Moses Moody are role players with limited ceilings. The Warriors need more help—particularly in the form of a second star or a significant impact player—to truly contend in a loaded Western Conference, especially with the rising power of teams like the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and the resurging Los Angeles Clippers.

The Core Issue: Aging Stars and Roster Construction

The Warriors’ championship core of Curry, Thompson, and Green is aging. Curry, while still playing at an elite level, is 35 years old. Thompson, after multiple major injuries, is showing signs of wear. Green, known for his defense and playmaking, is also getting up there in age and has become a less consistent offensive player. While these three players remain central to the team’s success, the Warriors will need to transition to a more sustainable roster construction to extend their competitive window.

Enter the Warriors’ front office, who will need to make calculated decisions to ensure they remain title contenders in the present while simultaneously preparing for the future. This means adding players who can help immediately but won’t derail the long-term flexibility of the team.

The Trade: Golden State Warriors and Washington Wizards

In this desperate trade scenario, the Golden State Warriors could look to acquire Kristaps Porzingis from the Washington Wizards, alongside Deni Avdija, while sending out Jordan Poole, Kevon Looney, and some future draft capital to Washington.

Let’s break down the logic behind this trade:

Golden State Warriors’ Perspective

1. Kristaps Porzingis – The Stretch Big: The Warriors have been searching for a second star who can space the floor and offer a different dimension to their offense. Porzingis provides just that. At 7-foot-3, he is a towering presence who can shoot the ball from the perimeter, space the floor, and play inside when needed. This adds a dimension that the Warriors desperately need, as it would give them a versatile frontcourt player who can work both as a pick-and-pop option with Curry and Thompson or provide scoring inside.

   While Porzingis isn’t a traditional rim protector or defensive anchor like some of the Warriors’ other bigs, his length and shot-blocking ability should help, especially alongside Draymond Green. The combination of Green’s elite defense and Porzingis’ shot-blocking and offensive skills could create a formidable frontcourt pairing.

   The Warriors would also get an experienced veteran who has proven he can score at a high level in the right system. In Golden State, Porzingis would get more open looks from three-point range, and his ability to stretch the floor would open up lanes for Curry and Thompson to operate. His addition would give Golden State a powerful offensive weapon that balances their team more effectively.

2. Deni Avdija – The Potential Two-Way Wing: Deni Avdija is a young forward with intriguing upside. While not yet a star, he has shown flashes of being a two-way player who can defend, pass, and contribute as a secondary offensive option. The Warriors have long prized two-way wings who can fit into their system. Avdija, at just 23 years old, is still developing, but he’s a solid defender who can guard multiple positions. His potential to be a solid contributor on both ends of the floor gives the Warriors a possible future piece, someone who can step in as a key rotation player or potentially grow into a starter in the coming years.

   Adding Avdija provides depth to the Warriors’ forward position and gives them a cost-effective, long-term option to groom, especially with the aging of the current roster.

3. The Title Window and Financial Flexibility: By acquiring Porzingis, the Warriors would solidify their chances of competing for a title in the short term. They’d still have Curry, Thompson, and Green, but the addition of Porzingis would provide a new layer of offense and defense. Additionally, the Warriors might find some flexibility in the long-term financials by moving Poole’s contract, which could be a factor in avoiding a hefty luxury tax bill in the future.

Washington Wizards’ Perspective

The Wizards are in a rebuilding phase, and they’re likely to be looking for young players, draft picks, and financial flexibility. This trade offers them exactly that.

1. Jordan Poole – The Dynamic Scorer: Poole’s departure from the Warriors has already been speculated in some circles, and for good reason. While Poole has flashed moments of brilliance, his inconsistency has been a point of contention. Nevertheless, Poole is still a young, talented player who has the ability to put up points in bunches. Moving him to Washington gives the Wizards a potential cornerstone piece who could be a future leader of the franchise. His scoring ability fits with Washington’s needs, and they can afford to be patient with his development.

   Poole’s contract is also a more manageable deal compared to some of the veterans on the Warriors, giving the Wizards a more flexible salary situation moving forward.

2. Kevon Looney – The Rebounding Anchor: Looney is one of the best rebounders in the NBA, and his ability to anchor the interior defense is highly valued. While not an offensive force, Looney’s ability to set screens, protect the rim, and control the boards would be a valuable asset to Washington’s frontcourt. He is on a manageable contract, which means the Wizards can afford to keep him around as a stabilizing presence while they develop their younger players.
3. Draft Picks: In addition to Poole and Looney, the Wizards would also receive draft picks from the Warriors, further aiding their rebuild. The draft picks provide long-term flexibility and give them assets they can either use to select talent or trade for future moves.

How the Trade Could Address Both Teams’ Needs

• For the Warriors: The addition of Porzingis and Avdija significantly bolsters their roster. Porzingis gives them another scoring option and floor spacer, allowing the Warriors’ shooters to get even more open looks. Avdija provides long-term potential and depth on the wing, a position where the Warriors have had to rely on aging players like Thompson. By moving Poole and Looney, the Warriors not only balance their salary cap but also refresh the roster with younger and more specialized players who fit their championship aspirations.
• For the Wizards: They would be acquiring a talented young scorer in Poole, who could develop into a key part of their rebuild. Looney provides stability on the glass and defense, while the draft picks offer flexibility in shaping their future.