The Golden State Warriors have been very active in the trade market this offseason. In a significant move, they were involved in a trade that sent Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks and Reggie Jackson to the Charlotte Hornets, though they still managed to secure some valuable assets.
In exchange for one of their franchise icons, the Warriors acquired Philadelphia 76ers sharpshooter Buddy Hield and Minnesota Timberwolves’ versatile player Kyle Anderson. Additionally, they signed former Sixer De’Anthony Melton to a one-year deal in free agency. These three players are expected to significantly bolster the Warriors’ lineup, addressing the gap left by Thompson’s departure. Despite these acquisitions, the team continues to explore the trade market, seeking a player who could elevate them to true title contenders.
Golden State Warriors’ Team Stats – 2023-24
| Category | Stat |
|————|——–|
| PTS | 117.8 |
| OPP PTS | 115.2 |
| NET RTG | +2.6 |
| 3PTM | 1,211 |
While the Warriors have successfully strengthened their bench depth, they are still in pursuit of a player who could transform them from playoff contenders to championship favorites for the 2024-25 season. They are open to trading any combination of Andrew Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and additional draft picks to land an All-Star caliber player. Even if they miss out on the top trade targets, they hope to acquire solid pieces that will further enhance their roster depth.
3. Brandon Ingram – SF/PF
The potential availability of Brandon Ingram could entice the Warriors to make a bold move for the former All-Star. Since the start of the offseason, there have been questions about whether the New Orleans Pelicans would consider trading the 26-year-old. Ingram, the 2019-20 All-Star and Most Improved Player, has consistently been a scoring threat at the small forward position, averaging 23.1 points on 57.7 percent true shooting over his five years with the Pelicans.
Brandon Ingram Stats – 2023-24
| Category | Stat |
|———-|——-|
| PTS | 20.8 |
| EFG% | 53.4% |
| WS | 5.1 |
| PER | 18.2 |
With the 2024-25 season being the final year of his contract before becoming an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2025, it was expected that New Orleans might explore trading Ingram to get value before potentially losing him for nothing. The Warriors appeared to be a prime candidate to acquire him during the 2023-24 season, especially since Wiggins struggled as the team’s main option at the small forward spot in his 71 games.
Acquiring Ingram would likely come at a high cost for Golden State. They would need to offer promising young talent and draft capital, with Kuminga and Podziemski being the main trade assets. While the Pelicans would aim to secure as many promising young players as possible, the Warriors might start negotiations by offering Moody and draft picks, trying to hold onto Kuminga and Podziemski until necessary.
The possibility of Ingram joining the Warriors has been discussed by several NBA analysts and insiders. Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins recently expressed his support for this potential move, suggesting that Ingram paired with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green could make the Warriors contenders again.
“I would like to see Brandon Ingram go to the Golden State Warriors…putting him alongside Steph Curry and Draymond Green would actually put the Warriors back in the thick of things…” – Kendrick Perkins
The Pelicans might risk keeping Ingram this season following the trade that brought Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks. Depending on their success, they could explore re-signing Ingram on a long-term deal. However, this would be challenging with the need to pay other key players like Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III in the near future.
2. Dorian Finney-Smith – PF/SF
Dorian Finney-Smith has become a sought-after player due to his defensive skills and floor-spacing abilities. His prominence grew during successful playoff runs with the Dallas Mavericks from 2020-2022, establishing himself as a top 3-and-D wing. Although his three-point shooting wasn’t remarkable early in his career, his defensive potential was evident from the start.
Standing 6-foot-7 with a nearly 7-foot wingspan, Finney-Smith possesses the physical attributes needed for great team defense, and his on-ball perimeter defense has improved over time.
After two seasons with the Brooklyn Nets, Finney-Smith might be ready to leave the struggling team and join one aiming for a deep playoff run in 2024-25. Given the Nets’ desire to acquire draft assets by trading valuable veterans, Finney-Smith could be on the move. The Golden State Warriors would likely be interested in preparing an offer for the talented two-way forward, who excels in three-point shooting during the postseason.
Dorian Finney-Smith 3PT% in Last Four Playoff Series
| Playoff Series | 3PT% |
|——————— |——|
| 2022 WC1 vs. UTA | 39.5%|
| 2022 WCS vs. PHO | 45.0%|
| 2022 WCF vs. GSW | 44.0%|
| 2023 EC1 vs. PHI | 41.2%|
A trade package for Finney-Smith could be straightforward for both Brooklyn and Golden State, especially if the Warriors are willing to include an extra first-round draft pick. Brooklyn, focused on future planning, would likely follow their trade of Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks for five first-round picks and Bojan Bogdanovic with another trade that brings in more draft assets for a player of Finney-Smith’s caliber.
1. Lauri Markkanen – PF/C
In one of the main storylines of the summer, the Warriors and Jazz have been in ongoing discussions about Lauri Markkanen. According to numerous sources, the two teams have remained in constant contact regarding a potential trade that would send some of the Warriors’ top young talent to Utah in exchange for the 2023 All-Star.
Markkanen’s efficient play over the past two seasons with the Jazz has sparked significant interest around the league, with many viewing him as a perfect fit for a contending team. The Warriors emerged as the top suitors for the 7-footer from Finland after he averaged 23.2 points on an impressive 63.1 percent true shooting last season. At only 27 years old, Markkanen could be a valuable asset both now and in the future.
Lauri Markkanen Stats – 2023-24
| Category | Stat |
|———-|——-|
| PTS | 23.2 |
| TS% | 63.1% |
| 3PT% | 39.9% |
| PER | 21.5 |
In exchange for Markkanen, the Warriors have reportedly included Kuminga, Podziemski, Moody, and draft capital in their offer, though they are reluctant to part with Podziemski. Warriors owner Joe Lacob has expressed high regard for Podziemski, believing he has All-Star potential, as noted by NBC Sports Bay Area.
“I mean, what can’t he do? We are really excited. We think we’ve got a future All-Star, we really do…” – Joe Lacob
A trade package centered around Kuminga, Moody, and picks might be the middle ground both teams can agree on, but losing Kuminga would still be a tough pill for the Warriors to swallow. Kuminga had a breakout season in 2023-24, highlighted by an incredible eight-game stretch from January 12 to February 2, where he averaged 25.6 points on 63.3 percent shooting from the floor and 56.5 percent from three-point range.
Kuminga’s rise earned him a regular spot in the starting lineup, but the prospect of acquiring an established All-Star like Markkanen is enticing for Golden State. Adding Markkanen to their core of Curry and Green would certainly make the Warriors a formidable team in the Western Conference, with many teams marking their calendars for games at the Chase Center.