NBA Rumors: Warriors trying to trade No. 7 and No. 14 pick for superstar
By Josh Hill
The Golden State Warriors are trying to see whether or not a superteam can be reassembled in San Francisco, using two top draft picks to make it happen.
It was just five years ago that Kevin Durant shocked the basketball world, turning heel to join the Golden State Warriors.
The result was two NBA Finals rings and three straight Finals appearances, not to mention the creation of one of the best teams in the history of basketball. The 73-win Warriors were iconic, but it feels like ancient history given how quickly the game has moved on as Golden State has false-started over the last few years.
Injuries to Klay Thompson, Steph Curry, and others derailed the Warriors dynasty but it didn’t snuff it out. Gone are the glory days of the dynasty at its peak, but the hunger to remind everyone just how good the team can be, remains.
It’s that drive to get back on top that has Golden State trying to figure out ways it can go back to the superteam well to revive the dynasty.
Warriors trying to trade top draft picks for a superstar
According to Stein, the Warriors are trying to package the No. 7 and No. 14 picks together to secure a superstar in return.
It’s unlikely, however, that a megadeal nets them someone like Damian Lillard or Bradley Beal. While the Warriors have apparently been trying to pry both away from their respective teams, Stein notes that any deal where Andrew Wiggins is the centerpiece veteran isn’t going to be enough to land Beal or Lillard.
Per Stein’s newsletter:
"Golden State has indeed signaled a willingness to trade the 7th and 14th overall picks, league sources say, but the Warriors are said to be trying to construct a deal that brings back “a star.” Star translates to Washington’s Bradley Beal or Portland’s Damian Lillard — neither of whom figures to be available for a trade package in which, irrespective of how many draft assets are attached, Andrew Wiggins is the standout veteran."
There are other superstars on the market the Warriors could look to add, and at a reduced cost of what it would take to land Lillard or Beal.
Golden State resisted trading Klay Thompson for Kevin Love back in 2014, but could now acquire him from Cleveland at a significant discount than the first time around. Ben Simmons won’t be cheap, but the Sixers netting more picks for The Process 2.0, as well as Simmons reviving his career with the Splash Brothers, could be an endgame for all involved.
There are also free agents that could be added, such as DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry, and Chris Paul, although such moves would be nearly-impossible to pull off financially.
Steph Curry leaving the Warriors?
While there have been plenty of rumors about what the Warriors will do this summer, one move that will not happen is Steph Curry leaving the Warriors.
Simply put, the Dubs are trying to add star power to build a Big 3 that can reclaim power in the Western Conference. Klay Thompson is returning healthy in 2021-22, and coupled with Curry and potentially another superstar, the Warriors are in the perfect position to make a run at another trip to NBA Finals.