Golden State Warriors’ 3 Most Likely Trade Candidates
The Golden State Warriors’ 2023-24 season fell short of expectations. The team, designed to support two-time MVP and four-time champion Stephen Curry, struggled to advance past the Play-In Tournament.
During the 2024 summer free agency, the Warriors had the opportunity to add several role players for the 2024-25 season. However, they also lost one of their key players, Klay Thompson, who joined the Dallas Mavericks.
As the new season approaches without Thompson, the Warriors face uncertainty, including about some of their recent draft picks. Although these young players have shown promise, the team might consider trading them for an All-Star caliber player.
While the “two-timeline” approach led to the Warriors’ 2022 NBA Championship, it hasn’t advanced the team past the second round since then. With Curry and Draymond Green nearing the end of their primes, the organization faces a tough decision.
General Manager Mike Dunleavy needs to decide whether to continue developing young talent or to trade them for a veteran player who could complete the team’s roster. Here are the three players most likely to be traded if Dunleavy decides to make a move:
3. Jonathan Kuminga
Kuminga’s potential could make him a key asset in a major trade. As the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Kuminga’s development has had ups and downs. Despite limited playing time in his rookie season, he showed significant potential.
In the 2023-24 season, Kuminga stepped up, particularly between January 12 and February 14, when he scored 20 or more points in eight consecutive games. His rapid improvement has made him a valuable trade piece.
Jonathan Kuminga Stats – 2023-24
| Category | Stat |
|———-|——|
| PTS | 16.1 |
| REB | 4.8 |
| TS% | 59.8 |
| PER | 17.0 |
Kuminga has been involved in trade talks, including a potential deal for Paul George or Lauri Markkanen. Despite not being traded yet, he’s a significant trade asset for the Warriors.
2. Brandin Podziemski
Podziemski’s standout rookie season has increased his trade value. Drafted No. 19 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, Podziemski quickly earned starting minutes and impressed with his hustle and all-around game.
Brandin Podziemski Stats – 2023-24
| Category | Stat | Stat |
|———-|——–|——|
| PTS | 9.2 | |
| AST | 3.7 | |
| 3PT% | 38.5% | |
| MP | 26.6 | |
His performance has made him a key target in trade discussions, particularly involving Paul George or Lauri Markkanen. While Podziemski could be a future lead guard, the Warriors might consider trading him to strengthen the roster.
1. Moses Moody
Moody’s name comes up frequently in trade discussions. As the No. 14 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, he has struggled to find consistent minutes but has shown potential as a 3-and-D player.
Moses Moody Stats – 2023-24
| Category | Stat | Stat |
|———-|——–|——|
| PTS | 8.1 | |
| REB | 3.0 | |
| 3PT% | 36.0% | |
| TS% | 57.8% | |
Moody has often been the starting point in trade negotiations, with other teams seeing his potential. Although the Warriors have considered trading Kuminga and Podziemski, Moody seems the most likely to be included in a deal, especially in trade talks involving Paul George or Lauri Markkanen.