NBA trade rumors: Lakers nix LaVine, Mavs name untouchable, Warriors target emerges
- Wendell Carter Jr. fits profile of Warriors trade target
- Mavs refuse to engage in Dereck Lively II trade discussions
- Lakers trade for Zach LaVine is 'not happening'
NBA trade rumors: Wendell Carter Jr. could address Warriors' trade needs
The Golden State Warriors missed the boat on Pascal Siakam, but the front office is still expected to pursue upgrades around Stephen Curry. It has been a mostly disastrous season for the Warriors. At 18-22, Golden State is currently situated outside the play-in picture. Curry is the only vet showing up on a consistent basis and Steve Kerr still doesn't trust the Warriors' young pieces.
One archetype the Warriors will target at the trade deadline, per Tim Kawakami on '95.7 The Game,' is a "7-footer who can score." Well, one such player could be readily available. The Orlando Magic are expected to shop Wendell Carter Jr., per NBA insider Marc Stein. Carter missed 26 games this season with a broken hand and right knee tendonitis, but he recently returned to the lineup.
Carter has been a stalwart in Orlando's rotation since arriving as part of the Nikola Vucevic trade in 2021. That said, Goga Bitadze thrived during Carter's absence this season. Orlando also has another productive (and relatively young) center in Mo Wagner. Carter is under contract through 2025-26 at $12.5 million annually, which is quite the bargain. He would represent a major acquisition for the Warriors.
Golden State is reportedly reluctant to move Jonathan Kuminga or Moses Moody, but the right collection of picks could tempt Orlando into a move. Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis are also candidates to be dealt, but both are productive rotation pieces as rookies. So, Golden State could struggle to find a package of assets it feels good about.
When healthy, Carter is quietly one of the best two-way centers in the NBA. He's a willing passer, a mobile defender, and his touch extends out to the 3-point line. In 15 games this season, Carter is averaging 9.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists on .476/.436/.719 splits in 23.9 minutes. His playing time and production should increase as he gets back up to speed.
Golden State has struggled to field consistent minutes from Kevon Looney this season, so Carter would be a home-run addition.