The Golden State Warriors are about to enter the trade deadline, and if they hope to return to the top of the Western Conference this season, something needs to go.
There aren’t many agreements available for any team, including Golden State, especially if the Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls decide to sit it out. But, the Dubs may be able to make some small-ball moves that would gradually strengthen their roster, give them a chance to sneak into the playoffs, and ultimately hurt the best teams in the Western Conference.
On Monday, February 5, Stephen Noh of The Sporting News looked at a few possible deals for the Warriors. The trade in which Golden State acquired Detroit Pistons player Bojan Bogdanovic is among the most interesting.
Bogdanovic is among the most gifted scorers on the court, and the Warriors need his assistance on the wing. This season, the 6-7 shooter is averaging 20.2 points and making 41.5 percent of his threes.
But Bogdanovic is far more than a shot. He moves away from the ball with amazing feel, and he has a solid post game. He had some incredible postseason outings and was a member of some great [Utah Jazz] offences.
[Steph] Curry’s scoring support this season has been insufficient. At just 17.3 points per game, Klay Thompson is second on the team in scoring. Bogdanovic might provide the squad with a movement shooter who is more dependable and has superior shot selection.
Warriors Would Likely Move Chris Paul in Trade for Bojan Bogdanovic
As of Wednesday afternoon, almost 24 hours before the NBA trade deadline passed, the Pistons are, quite literally, the poorest club in the league with just six wins in 49 games. Because of this, Detroit shouldn’t hesitate to trade Bogdanovic, even if his asking price ends up being a deal breaker.
To seal the transaction, Noh recommended the Warriors offer a first-round selection and an expiring salary. Before the upcoming season, the Pistons may pay off that debt and utilise the extra cash to invest in fresh players.
The Dubs own a first-round pick in 2028, and they might use that pick to provide some kind of protection—lottery or top-10, whichever both teams can agree upon. Chris Paul, a point guard whose contract is about to expire at $30.8 million, would almost probably be the one heading from Golden State to the Motor City; however, in order to make the move financially feasible, the Pistons would need to add another player.
Bojan Bogdanovic Offers Warriors Financial Maneuverability
Bogdanovic has a $20 million 2023–24 cap hit and is in the first season of a two-year, $39 million contract. Next season, he will be worth slightly more than $19 million, even though his contract only partially ensures that sum.
For the Warriors, who will have to deal under the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement, which imposes tougher financial realities, such flexibility may be crucial. Bogdanovic makes sense for Golden State given his contract status and unique offensive skill set, if the team is ready to trade a first-round pick (probably in the teens or higher) four years from now to extend Curry’s prime.
Bogdanovic isn’t a world-beater on defence. Noh did note that the 34-year-old does possess some skill on that end of the court, though.
Although Bogdanovic isn’t a particularly good defender, Noh noted that he competes there and improves during the postseason. “He’s held his own in some unexpected matchups, like when he was a member of the [Indiana] Pacers and used to harass LeBron James.”
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