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NBA Trade Deadline: The trade each team must make

By Michael Dunlap

May 15, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Reggie Jackson (15) and center Kendrick Perkins (5) watch the game against the Memphis Grizzlies from the bench during the second half of game five of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Grizzlies defeated the Thunder 88-84. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
May 15, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Reggie Jackson (15) and center Kendrick Perkins (5) watch the game against the Memphis Grizzlies from the bench during the second half of game five of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Grizzlies defeated the Thunder 88-84. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Kevin Garnett (2) during the first quarter against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Kevin Garnett (2) during the first quarter against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

Blue Man Hoop (Golden State Warriors)

Golden State sends David Lee to Brooklyn Nets for Kevin Garnett

The NBA trade deadline is no stranger to teams panicking and making last minute trade decisions that may have bigger repercussions down the track. Fortunately for the Golden State Warriors, they need not panic. The Warriors are in a great position – first in the league with their full roster contributing.

It is because of that that we at Blue Man Hoop find it hard to find a trade that works for the Warriors. Toss in the fact that every player on the roster has a role to play, and that the Warriors are hard-capped (after signing Shaun Livingston to the mid-level exception), finding a likely trade is near impossible.

The Warriors might try to find some salary cap relief, as they already have $78 million in guaranteed salaries for next season – and that’s without Draymond Green’s inevitable pay rise.

For more Golden State Warriors, visit BlueManHoop.com!
For more Golden State Warriors, visit BlueManHoop.com! /

However, if pressed to make a trade, we would have the Warriors acquire Kevin Garnett from the Brooklyn Nets for David Lee in a straight-up deal. Garnett has an expiring contract worth $12 million and Lee is signed through next season for $15 million per year, a trade that would work salary cap-wise.

Grantland’s Zach Lowe (http://grantland.com/the-triangle/nba-eastern-conference-teams-we-want-to-make-playoffs/) reported that Garnett would appeal to a team like the Warriors looking for “a boost off the bench and/or some long-term salary relief.”

Neither of them are having great seasons – Lee has been relegated to the bench after recovering from offseason surgery while Garnett is aging and averaging a career low in minutes. But what Garnett possesses that Lee does not is his championship experience and proven leadership. For a fairly young team in the Warriors who are not accustomed to success, Garnett can help guide them almost like a player-coach and add that championship mentality.

Like Lee, Garnett can knock down the mid-range jump shot, but he also brings physicality and presence on defense that Lee cannot provide. The only downfall for the Warriors is Garnett’s age (38 years), but to be frank, Lee has not been a major contributor this season and they would likely not miss a beat without him.

However, we would not blame the Warriors for standing pat at the deadline – why tinker with a team that is off to a 40-9 start?

Next: Detroit goes after a veteran shooter

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